Concorde contemporary music ensemble celebrate 50 years of performances in the Hugh Lane Gallery with the world premiere of a new work commissioned by the Gallery from Concorde’s director Jane O’Leary. Inspired by the Harry Clarke windows, ’The Eve of St. Agnes’, purchased by the Gallery in 1978 – the same year that Concorde began performing there – Jane’s music celebrates the fantasy and magical colours of the artwork. Clarke’s magnificent stained glass can be seen at the entrance to the Sculpture Hall.
The programme features music by Irish composers Judith Ring and Dave Fannessy, who share a 50th birthday year with Concorde, takes a look back at Concorde’s history with music by Irish composer James Wilson and American Elliott Carter, both regularly performed by Concorde, and includes the Preludes of American composer John Harbison which opened their first concert in 1976.
Concorde
Jane O’Leary, director
Meadhbh O’Rourke, flute/piccolo
Paul Roe, clarinet/bass clarinet
Patrick Burke, clarinet
Elaine Clark, violin
Martin Johnson, cello
Richard O’Donnell, percussion
Programme
John Harbison: Four Preludes (fl,vl,cl) 1967
Judith Ring: Swelt Belly at Dawn (cl,vl,vc) 2013 commissioned by Concorde
James Wilson (1922-2005): Three Playthings (solo clarinet) 1983
David Fennessy: Changeless and the Changed (vl/vc) 2014
Elliiott Carter ((1908-2012): Esprit Doux/Esprit Rude (fl,cl) 1984
Jane O’Leary: The Eve of St. Agnes (fl/picc, cl, cl/bass cl, vl, vc, percussion) world premiere
commissioned by Hugh Lane Gallery
***Please note***
The concert series will be moving from October 2025 due to the closure of the Hugh Lane Gallery for renovations. Please follow eventbrite and subscribe to the concerts newsletter HERE for details. The first concert will be in the Abbey Presbyterian Church, Parnell Square North on October 5th. https://www.abbeychurch.ie
