Successful launch of Concorde's latest CD and new platform for performance at CMC

Wednesday evening marked a dual celebration in the Contemporary Music Centre, the opening of CMC’s new platform for performance and the launch of the latest CD from Concorde, entitled Reflections. Snow was never going to postpone this special evening! In celebration of these new Horizons, CMC and Concorde were joined by composers, performers, promoters, representatives from both Arts Councils, the Irish Composers’ Collective, RTÉ Radio 1 and enthusiasts of new music. Guest of honour for the launch was Bernard Clarke, RTÉ lyric fm Broadcaster and Presenter of Nova.

The platform for performance was established by CMC to support the active and vibrant new music sector by facilitating performances of new works as well as showcasing works in progress and allowing experimentation across the many new music genres. Wednesday also relaunched CMC’s ART of SOUND exhibition from 2005, which will rotate throughout 2011 in celebration of 25 years of CMC.

The Contemporary Music Centre was honoured that the new platform was christened with live performances of works from Concorde’s latest CD.  Stephen Gardner’s : Klezmeria was performed by Concorde’s Paul Roe (clarinet) and Elaine Clarke (violin). Paul and Elaine were then joined by Madeleine Staunton (flute), for the premiere of a new work by Concorde’s director Jane O Leary, written especially for the occasion entitled Winter Reflections.

Jane O Leary and Concorde have been championing new music and nurturing Irish composers and performers since 1976 and continueto do so. This latest Concorde release Reflections features enhanced content that includes scores, photos, programme notes and biographies. Reflections is available to order online via Navona Records on www.navonarecords.com and to order online or in person from the Contemporary Music Centre www.cmc.ie.

See more photos on our Flickr page.

Listen to audio interviews recorded at the launch with Bernard Clarke and Jane O'Leary.