Percussionist, Alex Petcu and bass clarinettist, Deirdre O’Leary will launch their new duo, the Petcu O’Leary Duo, at The Dock, Carrick on Shannon on Saturday 29 April.

The programme will include the world premiere of Heaving Moss, written specially for the event by composer and guitarist Barry O’Halpin, alongside music by Ross Edwards, Unsuk Chin, David Lang, Susan Kander, Kevin Free, Adam Scott Neal and JS Bach.

Alex and Deirdre have played together for many years in Crash Ensemble and other groups. They share a dynamic energy and a passion for innovative performances. They have, in their own words “come together to create programmes of funky rhythms and wildly beautiful sounds, full of eccentricity and wit.”

Alex Petcu is an Irish musician of Romanian origin who has quickly established himself both nationally and internationally as a percussionist of the finest calibre. His recent appearances as a soloist with both RTÉ orchestras and Irish Chamber Orchestra are some of his main highlights so far.

Clarinet and bass clarinettist, Deirdre O’Leary is best known for her energy on stage and her sensitivity as a chamber and orchestral musician. She was a member of Crash Ensemble from 2003 to 2022 and cofounded Cassiopeia Wind Quintet with whom she has played many international chamber music festivals and toured Ireland. She has also performed, filmed and recorded two albums with the medieval jazz group Anakronos.

Tickets €18/16
To book tickets go to www.thedock.ie or call071 9650828
Programme:
And Then Not - Susan Kander (clarinets and percussion)
Ripples - Adam Scott Neal (bass clarinet and marimba)
Percussion solo - Johann Sebastian Bach
Enyato IV - Ross Edwards (bass clarinet and percussion)
Advice from a Caterpillar - Unsuk Chin (solo bass clarinet + projections)
Limits - Kevin Free (bass clarinet, vibraphone and cymbal)
Stuttered Chant - David Lang (arr. for bass clarinettist and percussionist)
Heaving Moss - World Premiere - Barry O’Halpin (bass clarinet and percussion)
NB – this programme is not yet in its final order and there will be an interval!