In this truly continent-crossing concert, two celebrated contemporary composers - Unsuk Chin (South Korea) and Kevin Volans (Ireland and South Africa) - have each created new works to shine a light on the virtuosity of two extraordinary musicians with whom they have both worked extremely closely. Wu Wei (China) and David Power (Ireland) are masters of two of the world’s most ancient instruments - the former the Chinese Sheng, and the latter Ireland’s very own Uilleann Pipes - and they bring this tradition and expertise to weave into two radical new scores for soloist and orchestra.

“extraordinary virtuosity” The Guardian, on Wu Wei

“David Power brings a breathtaking freshness to the set, his fluid, fluent playing as light as a feather” Irish Times

The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra perform Unsuk Chin’s Šu - for Sheng and Orchestra, and the world premiere of Kevin Volans’ Gol Na mBan San Ár - for Uilleann Pipes and Orchestra.

Korean composer Unsuk Chin had never intended composing for the 4,000 year old sheng (Chinese mouth organ) until she heard the work of virtuoso Wu Wei. Since then, Wu Wei has astounded audiences around the world with this ancient instrument, the beauty of which is illuminated by Chin’s concerto, played by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra with Wu Wei as soloist.

The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra then shift across the globe to play the world premiere of Kevin Volens Gol Na mBan San Ár, with uilleann pipes master David Power as soloist.

RTÉ NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Composer Unsuk Chin Šu

Composer Kevin Volans Gol Na mBan San Ár (World Premiere)

Soloist David Power, Uilleann Pipes

Soloist Wu Wei, Sheng

Conductor David Brophy