PRESS RELEASE

Culture Ireland and Contemporary Music Centre launch contemporary music initiative - New Music New Ireland

US Ambassador, Thomas C. Foley (second from left), attending the launch of New Music - New Ireland on 18 September 2008, with Eugene Downes, Chief Executive of Culture Ireland (left), Eve O'Kelly, Director of CMC, and Jonathan Grimes, CMC's General Manager. Photo: Jason Clarke
US Ambassador, Thomas C. Foley (second from left), attending the launch of New Music - New Ireland on 18 September 2008, with Eugene Downes, Chief Executive of Culture Ireland (left), Eve O'Kelly, Director of CMC, and Jonathan Grimes, CMC's General Manager. Photo: Jason Clarke

The Contemporary Music Centre and Culture Ireland launched a promotional initiative, New Music - New Ireland, on 18 September 2008.

His Excellency, Thomas C. Foley, Ambassador of the United States of America, officially launched the initiative in the Centre on Thursday, 18 September 2008 at 3pm. The event was also attended by Eugene Downes, Chief Executive of Culture Ireland and introduced by Eve O'Kelly, Director of the Contemporary Music Centre.

Speaking at the launch, the Ambassador said: “This is the latest in a series of cultural initiatives that have taken place in New York and the US this year, and serves to further strengthen the unique cultural, economic and emotional bonds between the two countries. Irish contemporary music enjoys a great following in New York and I wish CMC the very best for their event in Carnegie Hall.”

Eugene Downes commented: "Culture Ireland are delighted to be partnering the Contemporary Music Centre in this new promotional and performance initiative.  New music from Ireland deserves a wider international audience, and New York offers one of the most important arenas to raise the international reputation of Irish composers and performers.   This is a great opportunity to present a range of exciting new work."

New Music - New Ireland is an international programme funded by Culture Ireland. The first event is a concert in New York's Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on 17 October 2008, showcasing contemporary Irish composers and performers. The concert is also supported by the Irish Consulate in New York. The concert in Carnegie Hall will be followed by a performance by Jennifer Walshe at the Issue Project Room, New York on Sunday 26 October 2008 at 4pm.

The launch also featured a performance of Ailís Ní Ríain's DON'T -- one of the pieces which will be performed on the programme at Carnegie Hall -- for bass clarinet and cello by Carol McGonnell and Adrian Mantu.

Further information from: http://cmc.ie

Carol McGonnell, one of the performers who will feature at the New Music - New Ireland concert at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on 17 October. Photo: Jason Clarke

Deirdre McKay, Ian Wilson and Jane O'Leary, whose music will be performed at the New Music - New Ireland concert at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on 17 October. Photo: Jason Clarke

left: Carol McGonnell, one of the performers who will feature at the New Music - New Ireland concert at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on 17 October. Photo: Jason Clarke

below right: Deirdre McKay, whose piece between will be performed at the concert. Photo: Jason Clarke

Deirdre McKay, whose piece between will be performed at the concert. Photo: Jason Clarke

Members of the ConTempo Quartet, Ingrid Nicola (foreground), Bogdan Sofei (left) and Adrian Mantu (right). Photo: Jason Clarke

above right: Members of the ConTempo Quartet, Ingrid Nicola (foreground), Bogdan Sofei (left) and Adrian Mantu (right). Photo: Jason Clarke

left: Deirdre McKay, Ian Wilson and Jane O'Leary, whose music will be performed at the New Music - New Ireland concert at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on 17 October. Photo: Jason Clarke