In 2016/17 over 40 young composers from schools throughout the island of Ireland came together to create a brand new canon of choral music as Composers in the Classroom. In September 2017, Chamber Choir Ireland and the Contemporary Music Centre joined together once again to commence the 2017/2018 iteration of the project. Over a period of six months, eight highly esteemed composers from Ireland, who are represented by CMC, are travelling to schools in Counties Armagh, Cork, Down, Dublin, Fermanagh, Galway, and Louth to coach students in the creative process of composing for a SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) choir. The composer’s visits are supplemented by a visit from a singer from Chamber Choir Ireland so as to give a performer’s perspective. All student compositions are being recorded by Chamber Choir Ireland and a selection of works from participating students will be performed by Chamber Choir Ireland in this gala performance as part of the New Music Dublin Festival.

This project is delivered with the support of the Arts Council of Ireland and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

This event is free, but ticketed.

Composers:
Deirdre McKay together with Elaine Agnew, Alyson Barber, Irene Buckley, Eoghan Desmond, Neil Martin, Anne-Marie O’Farrell and Ian Wilson.

Schools taking part in Composers In The Classroom:
Erne Integrated, Enniskillen / Assumption Grammar, Down / St Colman’s College, Newry / Carrickfergus Grammar / Bush Post Primary, Louth / St Vincents Secondary School, Dundalk/  Colaiste Choilm, Cork / St Mary’s Secondary School, Cork / Presentation College, Athenry / Sandford School, Dublin