The Goo 1
Words: Cliodhna Ryan CLASSICAL As spring settles
in, Dublin’s classical music scene is buzzing. Whether you’re a fan of Bach or eager to explore new sound worlds, April is a month packed with exciting concerts. Let’s begin at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, On April 11th at 7:30pm, they are presenting the dramatic St. Matthew Passion. Composed in 1727 this work remains one of J.S. Bach’s most powerful. It is written for two separate choruses, each with its own orchestra. The drama of the St. Matthew Passion unfolds in multiple layers. The main narrative, drawn from the Gospel of St. Matthew (chapters 26–27), is primarily delivered in recitative by the Evangelist, Jesus, and various minor characters. Complementing this, a second layer consists of arias and choruses set to poetry by Picander, offering reflections on the unfolding story. Directed by Peter Whelan, it features the Choristers of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with Nicholas Mulroy as the Evangelist. On the very same evening, also at 7:30pm at the National Concert Hall (NCH), the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), under the baton of André de Ridder, gives the Irish premiere of Bryce Dessner’s Concerto for Two Pianos. Played by the renowned piano duo Katia and Marielle Labèque, this piece is an athletic display of Dessner’s style. The evening also features Dessner’s St. Carolyn by the Sea, inspired by Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac and featuring the composer on guitar. The concert closes with Petrushka, a vivid and colourful work, in which we witness Stravinsky discovering his unique style, paving the way for the groundbreaking work that would follow in The Rite of Spring 36 The following day Crash Ensemble takes the stage at The Studio at the NCH as part of The Cruellest Month, a weekend of Irish debuts and collaborations at the hall. The concert features a new commission by Cashel Day-Lewis and music by Bryce Dessner. Day-Lewis’s music has been described as “[combining] a sense of Baroque embellishment and form with polytonal exploration,” (The Washington Classical Review) Missing Ballybough is inspired by Irish traditions and Baroque forms and will be performed alongside Dessner’s Murder Ballades. The performance begins at 6.30 pm on April 12th. Let’s head to the Pavilion in Dun Laoghaire now, where Music Network present the Brazilian guitarist Plínio Fernandes. Fernandes, celebrated for his expressive playing, merges classical guitar with the rhythms and melodies of Brazilian folk music. This performance, which takes place on April 13th at 3p.m., will highlight his album Bacheando, which explores Bach’s influence on Brazilian music. On Good Friday, April 18th, you can hear the Irish premiere of James MacMillan’s St. John Passion performed by the National Symphony Orchestra at the NCH. This modern reimagining of the Passion story weaves together Gregorian chant, Scottish folk tunes, and minimalist textures. Baritone David Kravitz will perform the role of Christ, with the Evangelist sung by Chamber Choir Ireland, delivering a gripping new take on the familiar story. From April 22nd to 26th, Project Arts Centre hosts the Music Current Festival, a five-day celebration of contemporary music curated by Dublin Sound Lab. Featuring international artists from Germany, Poland, and France, alongside Irish composers, the festival offers an exciting blend of electronic, multimedia, and experimental music. Workshops, talks, and performances make this a must-attend for those looking to explore the cutting edge of new music. On April 24th at 7:30pm at the beautiful Whyte Recital Hall, behind the large Georgian door of the Royal Irish Academy of Music on Westland Row, Natalie Clein, one of the world’s leading cellists, will be performing Bach’s Cello Suites No.2, No.4 and No.6. These works are considered the pinnacle of the cello repertoire, with Clein’s performances known for their passion and insight. This concert is a rare opportunity to experience all three of these pieces in a single evening, played by one of the greatest cellists of our time. Don’t miss it! Finally to an undisclosed location, where on April 27th at 11am you can experience MenCon. This intriguing project is a bold reimagining of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto Op. 64, where the solo part—performed by Chihiro Ono—remains intact, while a chamber ensemble, led by composer Neil Luck, radically reinterprets the orchestral parts. Musicians from diverse backgrounds pull the piece in unexpected directions, embracing ‘mistakes’ as part of its evolving landscape, yet the performance still evokes Mendelssohn’s essence. The core MenCon players will be joined by Andy Ingamells and Kirkos Ensemble musicians, so keep an eye on their socials and website for the secret location. Whether you’re in the mood for a grand choral masterpiece or an experimental reimagining of one of the greatest violin concertos of all time, Dublin’s classical scene has something for everyone this month. Enjoy!