Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Musicians-in-Residence Scheme 2026
- Closing date: Thursday 12 February at 2pm
Rhona Clarke will offer insight into her compositional process and share the inspiration behind her new commission written especially for our 40th anniversary, as part of our concerts in Drogheda and Tralee.
The Unconquerable Soul is a new large-scale work by Irish composer Rhona Clarke. Commissioned by Music Network, in collaboration with Music Generation to mark Music Network’s 40th anniversary, and celebrate the long-standing relationship between the two organisations.
Clarke’s composition is a three-movement work based on poems reflecting on hope as an enduring force in human life. It has been written for the internationally renowned Trio Bohémo, to be performed with Music Generation string ensembles and adult choirs from Kerry and Louth. From early January, the choirs will work with their own conductors and also have an opportunity to learn from and engage with choral specialist Alan Leech, while the young string ensembles will rehearse with Music Generation Musician Educators before joining Trio Bohémo for dedicated rehearsal sessions in March.
The Unconquerable Soul will receive two performances during Trio Bohémo’s Music Network tour in April 2026. Conducted by Amy Ryan, the first concert takes place on 15 April at St. Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda with Setanta Choir and the Music Generation Louth Senior String Orchestra . The second, on 19 April at Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, features Cór Seoda Tíre and the Music Generation Kerry String Ensemble.
About the composer
Rhona Clarke was born in Dublin where her early musical experiences were in piano and choral music. She studied music at University College, Dublin, and completed a PhD at Queen’s University, Belfast and is a former associate professor at Dublin City University. Her output includes choral, chamber, orchestral and electronic works. Influenced by a wide variety of composers, the style is a synthesis of contemporary and traditional classical music. Ongoing collaborations with visual artist Marie Hanlon concern film and sound installation work, further expanding her artistic reach.
With regular commissions both nationally and internationally, her work has been performed and broadcast throughout Ireland and worldwide and has represented Ireland at the International Rostrum of Composers and the ISCM World Music Days.
The many recordings of her works include two portrait albums on the Métier, Divine Art Recordings label: A Different Game (Fidelio Trio, 2017), Sempiternam, a CD of Clarke’s choral music performed by the State Choir Latvija (2021).
Rhona Clarke is a member of Aosdána, Ireland’s affiliation of creative artists.
Music Network Commissions
We are committed to providing opportunities for Irish composers through our programmes. Commissioning is a vital part of the work we do to nurture music and musicians in Ireland.
Every year we commission a number of new works by Irish composers which are performed by renowned Irish and international performers for audiences across the county as part of our national touring programme.
