CONCORDE @UP CLOSE WITH MUSIC in RHA

CONCORDE have been performing new music since September 1976 when they gave their debut concert at the American Embassy in Dublin, since then they have commissioned hundreds of pieces and travelled extensively in Ireland, Europe and USA. CONCORDE are also the Ensemble-in-Residence at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama.

On the last Sunday of January, February, March and April, UP CLOSE WITH MUSIC presents concerts focussing on new Irish music in an international context that take place from 2.30 – 4.30 pm. The programmes showcase new commissions by Irish composers Linda Buckley, Ed Bennett and Jane O’Leary. Following submission of over 250 scores from composers around the world, Concorde has selected music from the USA, Scotland, Spain, Finland, Australia, Iceland, Hong Kong, Portugal, England and Sweden to feature alongside works by Irish composers.

This Sunday’s performance began with a fantastic fanfare, literally! An Irish premiere of Jonathan Harvey’s Fanfare performed on clarinet and trumpet by ‘the two Pauls’ as Jane O’Leary(artistic director@Concorde ) put it. When trying to describe the two minute piece to a friend I likened it to the playful but descriptive music used in early Tom & Jerry cartoons, it really was a beautifully, joyous and arresting piece which set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The rest of the afternoon’s music was just as fresh sounding and impressive, I must admit I was unsure of what to expect, but if Sundays performance was an accurate glimpse of the genre termed ‘ contemporary music’ then I am impressed.

Without going into too much detail on individual pieces, (because if I did I would be here all day), each piece was thoughtfully composed, wonderfully performed, completely different from each other and very, very well received. I must give special attention to the violinist Elaine Clark, who’s musical style bordered on performance, her absolute and unwavering concentration only outshone by her talent is a credit to the group. I would also like to give a special mention to and indeed thank Paul Roe (clarinets) for indulging the audience with his charming personality and his small lesson in mindfulness before performing YipKim Fungs KoKÛ.

All in all I had a wonderful afternoon of music, wine and company; I would recommend any readers to take advantage of the next performance on Sunday the 26th of April as it will be the last performance by CONC

ORDE in the RHA for 2015.