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Dublin, Ireland (Symphony No. 1 “Low”)
September 22
Friday September 22, 2023 9:00 PM
Tickets and info here
National Concert Hall Celebrates Culture Night with Music of Philip Glass by National Symphony Orchestra, an Electronic Reimagining of Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians, a Choral Performance and Multiple Music Workshops for all Ages
An electronic reimagining of Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians, in Simon Cullen’s MXXM, Main Stage, 7pm
National Symphony Orchestra – Philip Glass Symphony No. 1 Low, Main Stage, 9pm
Cór Linn and Cór na nÓg Choirs – Sing on the Steps John Field Room, 5.30pm
Choral, Percussion and Gamelan Workshops, various rooms from 5.15pm – 9pm
Ticket Information: Tickets FREE, see booking information below.
This September the National Concert Hall celebrates Oíche Chultúir /Culture Night with a variety of concert performances and musical workshops to engage and inspire audiences of all ages. A national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts in a programme of up to 1,700 events delivered nationwide, Culture Night takes place this year on Friday 22nd September.
The National Concert Hall’s musical programme for the night features a unique and mesmerising performance of Simon Cullen’s MXXM, a live electronic reimagining of Steve Reich’s seminal work Music for 18 Musicians. Part programmed, part live response, coupled with a newly developed approach to visualising the patterns, rhythms and phrases that form the fabric of Music for 18 Musicians, this performance channels the psychedelic and psychoacoustic spirit that is a cornerstone of the original landmark work.
Later that evening, at 9pm, the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of David Brophy, will perform Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 1 Low. Composed in the Spring of 1992, the piece is based on the record Low by David Bowie first released in 1977. The record consisted of a number of songs and instrumentals and used techniques which were similar to procedures used by composers working in new and experimental music. As such the record was widely appreciated by musicians working both in the field of ‘pop’ music and in experimental music and was a landmark work of that period.
Also taking place at 5.30pm in the John Field Room will be a performance by choral groups, Cór Linn and Cór na nÓg entitled ‘Sing on the Steps’ featuring the voices and harmonies of 100 young people, under the baton of conductors Mary Almond O’Brien and Jennifer McMahon. This popular event celebrates the joy of singing and is suitable for all ages.
Inviting Culture Night visitors to participate in music making of their own, the NCH offers a variety of choral, percussion and gamelan workshops presenting a rare opportunity to engage and participate in the collective music making experience. No experience necessary, just a willingness to part-take and explore your musical and rhythmic abilities.
Three Choral Workshops – starting at 5.15pm, 6.45pm and 8.15pm
Three Percussion Workshops – starting at5.45pm, 7.30 and 8.45pm
Three Gamelan Workshops – starting at 6.15pm, 7.45pm and 9.15pm.
Culture Night is an initiative of the Arts Council and is supported by local authorities and cultural organisations across the island of Ireland.
National Concert Hall Box Office Information for Culture Night:
Main Stage Concerts – Tickets: FREE (seating unreserved). Tickets are available now with a limited number available 30 minutes before the start time of the performance(s).
Sing on the Steps – John Field Room Tickets: FREE (not ticketed). Entry on a first come and first serve basis.
Choral, Percussion and Gamelan Workshops: Tickets: FREE for Culture Night. Tickets are available (in person) 30 minutes before the start of the workshops. Limited availability for all workshops.
Box Office: Tel: 01-4170000 / www.nch.ie
ENDS
Media Queries: Rosita Wolfe, Head of Marketing & Communications, National Concert Hall. Rosita.wolfe@nch.ie,
Sinéad Doyle, Marketing & PR Manager, National Concert Hall, sinead.doyle@nch.ie
Assumpta Lawless, Marketing & Communications Manager, National Symphony Orchestra Assumpta.lawless@nch.ie
Roisin Dwyer, PR & Publications Executive, National Concert Hall roisin.dwyer@nch.ie
National Concert Hall Tel: 01 417 00 77 / info@nch.ie
ABOUT THE NATIONAL CONCERT HALL
The National Concert Hall (NCH) has a vision to be an inspiring and world-renowned music destination, accessible to all, enriching the cultural landscape of Ireland. The NCH is Ireland’s National Cultural Institution for music hosting in excess of 1,000 events each year. It is the proud home to the National Symphony Orchestra, who perform their annual season of symphonic and classical music alongside more popular and lunchtime concerts throughout the year. The NCH is also host to a number of Ireland’s music development bodies including Music Network, Music Generation and NCH associate ensembles, Chamber Choir Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra and Crash Ensemble, who together with the National Symphony Orchestra secure