CMC launches new promotional CD on 7 December 2011

The new disc, Contemporary Music from Ireland, Volume Ten is the latest release in CMC’s long-running promotional series featuring recent works of Irish composers. The CD will be launched in CMC by Orlaith McBride, Director, The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon at 6pm on Wednesday, 7 December.

Funded through project grants from Culture Ireland, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through its small grants scheme, and through the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon's revenue funding of CMC, the CD features a diverse and exciting array of Irish composers. Many composers - Enda Bates, Ann Cleare, Neil O’Connor, Amanda Feery, Adam Melvin, Donal Sarsfield, and Garrett Sholdice - are represented on the series for the first time. Also featured are a number of composers who have appeared on earlier volumes of the series - Ed Bennett, Brian Irvine and Ailís Ní Ríain. Together, the works present a vibrant and multi-faceted view of new Irish music in 2011.

The launch will also include a live performance by clarinetist Paul Roe of one of the works from the CD, Rattle by Amanda Feery, as well as the presentation of the featured electronic works from the CD by Neil O’Connor, Ailís Ní Riaín, Donal Sarsfield in CMC’s outdoor courtyard.

The Contemporary Music from Ireland promotional CD series gives a snapshot of what is happening right now in contemporary music in Ireland. Volume Ten features ten works selected by an artistic panel from over 45 submissions. As well as showcasing the vitality of Irish composition, the CD features many national and international performing groups and individuals, all of whom are committed and active performers of new music.

In addition to detailed notes and composer biographies for each of the works, the CD booklet includes a thought-provoking introduction from RTÉ lyric fm Nova presenter Bernard Clarke.

Following the launch, the CD will be distributed nationally and internationally to radio stations, festivals, concert promoters, performers and universities amongst other places. A selection of tracks will also be available to listen to via streaming from CMC’s site along with a series of video interviews with each of the composers.

For further information contact Karen Hennessy, Promotion Manager, Contemporary Music Centre, tel: 01 673 1922, email: khennessy@cmc.ie.

Update: report and photos from the launch