Earthrise Musici Ireland

• Deirdre Gribbin (b. 1967): Before the Moon Shattered and Shone Again:
• 1 Gribbin: Before the Moon Shattered and Shone Again 06:55
• Liam Bates (b. 1988): Earthrise:
• 2 Bates: Earthrise: I. Majestically 08:55
• 3 Bates: Earthrise: II. Gently 07:20
• 4 Bates: Earthrise: III. With Spirit 08:18
• Ian Wilson (b. 1964): String Quartet No. 12 "Her Charms Invited":
• 5 Wilson: String Quartet No. 12 "Her Charms Invited" 07:24
• Linda Buckley (b. 1979): Fiol:
• 6 Buckley: Fiol 14:31
• Dierdre McKay (b. 1972): Mr. Shah:
• 7 McKay: Mr. Shah 08:49
• Total Runtime 01:02:12

Info for Earthrise

Musici Ireland: Earthrise Musici Ireland, led by violist Beth McNinch, has established itself as a pioneering force in Irish chamber music since it's formation in 2012. Known for commissioning and premiering contemporary works, the ensemble is distinguished by it's commitment to Irish and female composers, pushing the boundaries of modern chamber music with an interdisciplinary and socially engaged approach. "Earthrise," recorded at Grouse Lodge Studios, captures the ensemble at the height of it's artistic prowess. Produced by Jonathan Allen (Abbey Road Studios) and engineered by Alex Borwick, this album presents a collection of striking new works by leading Irish composers. Each piece offers a distinct perspective, contributing to the evolving landscape of Irish music. Deirdre Gribbin's Before the Moon Shattered and Shone Again explores cyclical time, inspired by Celtic mythology and the constant presence of the moon. The string quartet echoes nature's cycles, symbolizing life's waxing, waning, and renewal, a fitting response to the stillness and disruption brought on by the pandemic. Deirdre McKay's Mr Shah draws inspiration from the quietude of space, contemplating the stark contrast between the near silence of the cosmos and the richness of sound on Earth. It reflects on the solitude of an astrophotographer's nightly exploration of the universe, staring into the vast, soundless expanse. Ian Wilson's Her Charms Invited (String Quartet No. 12) reimagines the intricate ornamentation of traditional Irish sean-nos singing within a contemporary musical framework. The work offers a modern interpretation of ancient melodies, weaving fragments of Irish song into a contemporary context. Linda Buckley's Fiol (for String Trio) treats the ensemble as a twelve-stringed "meta-instrument," evoking the resonances of the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle. The interplay of sympathetic vibrations between instruments creates a rich, layered texture reminiscent of Baroque traditions. The title track, Liam Bates' Earthrise, commissioned by Musici Ireland, draws inspiration from the imagery of our planet in it's natural ascent. Featuring Beth McNinch on viola, the piece captures the viola's soulful resonance, evoking a wandering observer participating in the Earth's evolving rhythms and harmonies. With a strong focus on artistic excellence and cultural storytelling, Earthrise represents Musici Ireland's commitment to new music, offering a thoughtful contribution to Ireland's contemporary chamber music scene.

Musici Ireland

Musici Ireland
Founded in 2012, Musici Ireland is a creative and innovative production house comprised of a core group of dedicated musicians.

We are Musici Ireland, and our journey began in 2012 as a passionate chamber music collective. Our vision was simple: to bring together some of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians and share the beauty of chamber music with audiences across the country. Over the years, our passion for collaboration and innovation has guided us to grow and evolve. Today, we stand as a groundbreaking multidisciplinary production house, pushing artistic boundaries and creating impactful new works that resonate deeply with audiences.

At the heart of Musici Ireland is a dedicated group of internationally renowned artists, including directors, choreographers, dancers, and composers. We love to collaborate, not just among ourselves, but with national and international artists who share our vision. Over the years, we’ve built lasting relationships with venues and guest artists, regularly performing at the National Concert Hall in Dublin and making a memorable debut at the Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2019. Our performances have also reached global audiences, with broadcasts on RTÉ Lyric FM spanning 12 countries.

In 2021, we embraced a new chapter in our journey, expanding our creative vision to integrate multidisciplinary projects that blend music, theatre, and visual arts. Our work often explores socially relevant themes, creating immersive experiences that move and inspire. A key highlight of this evolution was our first original production, “A Mother’s Voice,” which premiered in January 2023. This powerful piece, dedicated to the women affected by Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes, combines animation, live music, art installations, and recorded testimonies. The production has been performed in Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany, and made its American debut at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in July 2024. We’re proud to say that both the 2024 Kilkenny Arts Festival and CATF performances were sold-out runs, underscoring the impact of this important work.

Despite our evolution, our roots as a chamber music collective remain strong. Concert engagements continue to be a core part of who we are, and we remain deeply committed to bringing exceptional live performances to audiences across Ireland and beyond. Alongside our groundbreaking multidisciplinary productions, we prioritise the chamber music tradition, regularly performing beloved classical works as well as new compositions. This balance of honouring the past while embracing the future is central to our mission, as we continue to commission, record, and present new works.

2024 and Beyond: Expanding Horizons As 2024 unfolded, we were thrilled to make our German debut as part of Zeitgeist Irland 24, showcasing the works of Irish composers and further solidifying our presence on the international stage. We will also release our album “Earthrise” on Metier Records, a testament to our commitment to expanding the classical repertoire with contemporary voices and innovative compositions.

Throughout our journey, we’ve remained dedicated to producing unique, socially relevant, and musically driven experiences that challenge and inspire. As artists-in-residence at the Belltable/Limetree Theatres in Limerick, we continue to explore new creative territories, always keeping music at the heart of what we do. Musici Ireland is proud to be a trailblazer in the Irish arts scene, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in music and the arts.

Booklet for Earthrise