Ailís Ní Ríain (Ireland, 1974)
Yaw (2024) 10’ World Premiere

Linda O’Keeffe (Ireland, 1975)
The Seasons (2024) 10’ World Premiere

Kaija Saariaho (Finland, 1952-2023)
Près (1992) 18’

Amble Skuse (Scotland, 1977)
All who are weary and heavy-laden, I will give you rest. (2024) 10’ World Premiere

Brona Martin (Ireland, 1983)
Easel Soundscapes (2024) 10’ World Premiere

Electric Circus presents new works from four composers, commissioned for its 8-channel speaker array. Each of these new works – by Brona Martin, Ailís Ní Ríain, Linda O’Keeffe and Amble Skuse – take shape as forms of ‘nearness, closeness, proximity’ (‘Gaireacht’ in Irish) to technological transformation.

These transformations create metaphorical and real-world representations of sonic material, exploring possible hybrid futures, where our technological transformation is embedded within our natural world. The works create resonance and atmosphere through a combination of sound and space.

Saariaho’s Près for cello and live electronics anchors the concert, performed with cellist David McCann. The title of the work links to its sister-work (Amers, a nautical term for a leading marks or landmarks), and also to Paul Gaugin’s painting, By the Sea. In Près, the technological transformation expands the musical gestures of the solo instrument in a myriad of directions.

Electric Circus is an initiative of Northern Lights Project and is managed and directed by Peter O’Doherty.

Co-produced by Northern Lights Projects and hcmf// supported by Culture Ireland; also supported by Hinrichsen Foundation and Vaughan Williams Foundation

Yaw, The Seasons, All who are weary and heavy-laden, I will give you rest. and Easel Soundscapes are commissioned with funds provided by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Photo: Ailís Ní Ríain / Amble Skuse / Brona Martin / Linda O’Keeffe