This programme has been curated by HRSE’s 2018/19 Featured Composer Jane O’Leary of which she writes:

“Is there a distinct flavour to the music by these 9 women composers? Each work makes a strong personal statement. The music is varied and colourful, ranging from Saariaho’s evocation of the moon to Gardner’s reflection on the writings of Native American poet Joy Harjo and Grime’s response to three chalk and pastel miniatures by the 19th century American-born painter Whistler. Visual images of a winter sun and bare branches can be found in my Winter Sketchbook and Tower, founder of one of the first new music ensembles in the USA, creates a ‘carnival on ice’ reflecting both Stravinsky’s ballet and the fluid motion of ice skating. The idea of song links Clarke’s atmospheric piece built on a chorus created by her own voice and Tanaka’s soliloquy for cello and electronics inspired by the Song of Solomon, a song of love. Finally, it’s a pleasure to include new music from two young Irish composers - Amy Rooney and Aine Mallon. The title of the programme is a reference point in Gardner’s work Crows, and I invite you to join us on a journey through the sky.”

Petroushskates (1980)
Joan Tower (1938)
fl, cl, vln, vcl & pf

Sound Sketch No1.Black Holes* (2019)
Áine Mallon (1994)
fl & bs. cl

Con Coro (2011)
Rhona Clarke (1958)
vln, vcl & tape

Oi Kuu – For the Moon (1990)
Kaija Saariaho (1952)
bs. cl, vcl

3 Whistler Miniatures (2011)
Helen Grime (1981)
vln, vcl & pf

Interval

Phosphenes* (2019)
Amy Rooney (1983)
fl, cl, vln, vcl & pf

A Winter Sketchbook I, II & III (2015)
Jane O’Leary (1946)
alto fl & vln

The Song of Songs (1996)
Karen Tanaka (1961)
vcl & electronics

Crows 1998
Alexandra Gardner (1967)
cl, vln, vcl & pf

*written for HRSE.