Adaptation

About this event

Commissioned by Clare County Council through the Gaining Ground Public Art Programme

Written by one of Ireland's leading composers, Ian Wilson, for the talents of pianist Izumi Kimura and guitarist Joe O'Callaghan,

“Adaptation” is the result of a year-long project undertaken by Wilson in and around West Clare, investigating possible foreign influences on local culture over the centuries.

This naturally focussed on music and involved discussions with a number of very knowledgeable local people including flutist Christy Barry, director of Kilfenora Céilí Band John Lynch, and University of Limerick Irish Dance Lecturer Orflaith NiBhriain, among others.

The extent of foreign “infiltration” of what we think of as Irish traditional music was quite a revelation, and the new musical work “Adaptation” embraces many of these influences as it traces the imaginary journey of a well-known traditional Irish tune through the centuries and across the globe. Like a set of variations in reverse, the music visits Gregorian Chant, Medieval Dance, Italian Baroque, German Waltz and even American Ragtime music, all the while inching closer to the traditional tune at the heart of the whole work.

It’s a wonderful collage of jazz, trad, and classical music, performed by the amazing and unique duo of pianist Izumi Kimura and guitarist Joe O’Callaghan.

The performance will last approximately 50 minutes and entry is free.