A composition workshop by the JACK Quartet takes place in January

JACK Quartet

The workshop is organised by Belfast-based music promoter Moving on Music in partnership with CMC and involves five upcoming composers who have been selected to take part. Taking place on Friday 17 January at the MAC, Belfast, the JACK quartet will play through a string quartet by each of the composers at the workshop and offer immediate feedback on the composer’s work, notation and compositional techniques.

The five successful composers, Amy Rooney, Francis Heery, Piaras Hoban, Daniel Barkley and David Stockard will benefit from the experience of hearing their work played by the JACK and gaining from their expert guidance.

Demand for participation in the workshop was high, with applications received from across the UK and Ireland. A huge variation in style and subject was also evident from the compositions submitted.

“It is essential that composers based in Ireland (especially those who are beginning their career) have access to musicians of the highest calibre in order to develop in their artform. Workshops with performers of the Jack Quartet’s expertise provides young composers with a supportive environment to try out ideas and learn from their peers," Evonne Ferguson, CMC Director.

As well as commenting on individual works, the JACK will offer general advice on composition and string techniques to those in attendance. Any composers, music students or musicians interested in attending the workshop as an audience member should contact paula@movingonmusic.co.uk for further information and to reserve a space.

Update: listen to interviews with the composers and Piers Hellawell about their experiences of the workshop

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