The Autumn 2021 Music Network touring season starts with a much anticipated new Music Network collaboration featuring vocalist Iarla Ó Lionáird, harper and sound artist Úna Monaghan, and cellist Kevin Murphy (on tour 1st – 19th September). A renowned master of the Sean Nós singing tradition, Iarla Ó Lionáird is one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices. Úna Monaghan is a highly respected harper and sound artist, who constantly challenges the boundaries of her instrument through electronic technologies. Slow Moving Clouds’ cellist Kevin Murphy, a skilled collaborator who has been the inspiration behind many imaginative projects, will join Monaghan and Ó Lionáird in what promises to be a truly memorable series of performances. Music Network has commissioned the trio to write a new work collectively which will be premiered on this tour.
Irish violinist Mairéad Hickey and French harpist Anaïs Gaudemard will perform together in October in an exciting new collaboration (on tour 7th – 16th October). Celebrated for her captivating expression, soaring tone and fearless virtuosity, Mairéad Hickey‘s natural ability to communicate sincerely and with beauty and integrity has entranced audiences worldwide. Anaïs Gaudemard is recognised as a musician of exceptional talent whose mastery of her instrument alongside an ability to deliver extraordinarily dynamic performances has seen her receive widespread acclaim. Featuring an exquisite collection of music by Bach, Saint-Saëns, Massenet, Viardot, Spohr and a brand new Music Network commission, their programme will delight audiences this autumn.
Music Network’s autumn jazz tour is an unmissable opportunity to hear Kit Downes’ highly anticipated and critically acclaimed album Dreamlife of Debris in concert (on tour 19th – 26th October). Featuring Mercury Music Prize nominees Kit Downes (piano, organ) and Sebastian Rochford (drums), as well as Tom Challenger (saxophone) and Lucy Railton (cello), this truly inspired artistic venture is Kit’s second recording for ECM Records. Dreamlife of Debris has garnered major press attention with rave reviews and is already a must-have on the shelves of anyone who is curious about or in love with intelligent, beautiful music.
November will bring the charismatic Russian violinist Alena Baeva and pianist Katia Skanavi to Ireland (on tour 17th - 24th November). With a passion for discovering new music and reinvigorating the old, these internationally acclaimed performers have confidence and presence in spades, and with their gorgeous tonal palette and elegant discourse, they bring sense and sensuality to anything they tackle. Their performance of Beethoven’s much-loved ‘Kreutzer’ Violin Sonata will be a highlight in a programme which also includes the Dietrich/Brahms/Schumann F-A-E Sonata, Stravinsky’s Duo Concertant and Release by Fiona Merivale, a Music Network commission written specially for these extraordinary artists.
Music Network’s CEO Sharon Rollston commented: “As Ireland’s national music touring and development organisation, Music Network typically works with around 40 partners annually to present up to 90 high quality classical, jazz and traditional music concerts across Ireland and beyond. As an organisation which champions live music, we’re particularly looking forward to presenting a full touring season this Autumn, circumstances allowing. With a feast of music including 2 brand new Music Network collaborations and 3 works commissioned from Irish composers in store, music lovers will be spoilt for choice."
Specific tour dates and venues will be available later in the summer and concerts will be subject to any prevailing public health restrictions in the autumn.