On Sunday 22 May at 3pm in the O’Donoghue Theatre at NUI Galway, as part of Arts in Action, Galway Music Residency in association with Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) presents the World Premiere of E-Bow. This new work by Irish composer Dave Flynn for string quartet and electric guitar, which will be performed by Galway’s ConTempo Quartet and the composer himself, was co-commissioned by long-term commissioning partners Galway Music Residency and Galway City Council.

E-bow is a work in three movements. It plays with the tradition of the guitar quintet, which dates back t o the late 18th century, but brings it in new directions by using an electric guitar with the addition of an ‘E-Bow’, a string-sustaining device invented by Greg Heet in 1969. 'E-Bows' became essential tools for rock guitarists in the late 1970's and their distinctive tone is heard on songs by Blondie, U2, Radiohead, Big Country, Genesis, Pink Floyd and R.E.M. They are less common in classical music because they don't work on nylon string classical guitars.

The World Premiere will be housed in a wider event which will include a performance of Philip Glass’ Mishima arranged, with special permission from the composer, for string quartet and electric guitar. This work was composed for the film Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters, which follows the life of author Yukio Mishima who on 25th November 1970, in the ritual act of Seppuku, knelt on a carpet and plunged a dagger into his abdomen – a gesture of defiance against the violation of his country’s dignity.

The event will also feature an interview with the composer Dave Flynn and ConTempo Quartet led by CMC Director, Evonne Ferguson. This intriguing conversation will give the audience an opportunity to hear about the inspiration behind the work, the composer’s process and some of the techniques used, which will be demonstrated by ConTempo Quartet and the composer himself.

Praised in the New York Times for the "power and intensity" of his music, composer and virtuoso guitarist Dave Flynn works across several genres and some of the world's best musicians. His music is acclaimed internationally and has been performed in prestigious venues such as MoMA and Ireland's National Concert Hall by ensembles including the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Crash Ensemble and RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Formed in 1995 in Bucharest, ConTempo Quartet is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today. The quartet was chosen as GMR’s Ensemble in Residence in 2003 and continues to captivate audiences throughout the city and county with its repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk and traditional music.

Entry to the concert is free, all are welcome. Booking is required through www.eventbrite.ie. Patrons are asked to follow Covid-19 regulations inside the venue. Galway Music Residency is proudly supported by NUI Galway (Education Partner), the Arts Council, and Galway City and County Councils. For further information, visit www.galwaymusicresidency.ie