Louth Contemporary Music Society continues to offer Irish audiences unique experiences in contemporary music with its presentation of the first performance of a new work by James Dillon. Dillon’s The Louth Work: Orphic Fragments will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of this year’s Drogheda Arts Festival. Performed by Ireland’s top contemporary music group, Crash Ensemble with soprano Peyee Chen conducted by Sinead Hayes, this performance promises a stimulating adventure into the most contemporary sounds in new music.

The world premiere of the new work takes place in St. Peter’s Church of Ireland Drogheda at 8pm on Saturday 29 April 2017.

The Louth Work: Orphic Fragments sets ancient texts, attributed to Orpheus himself, interspersed with poetry from Petrarch, Apollinaire and Allen Ginsberg. The words are explored and dissected, spoken and whispered as well as sung. Dillon accompanies the voice with an ensemble of five instrumentalists, fully exploiting the wide range of textures and colours they offer. Extended performing techniques, unusual percussion sounds and innovative electronics all contribute to the unique soundworld of this rich and engaging aural tapestry. The programme also includes Jennifer Walshe’s Three Songs by Ukeoirn O’Connor.

Tickets €10 available from www.droghedaartsfestival.ie, www.eventbrite.ie or on the door on the night

Funded by the Arts Council and Create Louth. The Louth Work: Orphic Fragments is an Arts Council funded commission.

More details www.louthcms.org.