Concorde, the first contemporary music ensemble to be established in Ireland, will celebrate its 40th anniversary this September with a series of four concerts at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin.

Formed in 1976 under the direction of Jane O’Leary, the ensemble gave its first performance at the American Embassy on 18 September that year. Since then the group has given over 350 public performances including world premieres of some 250 compositions. 

The 40th Anniversary Series, starting on 18 September, will feature new works from three composers: Dave Fennessy, also celebrating a 40th birthday this year and whose first performances were with Concorde nearly 20 years ago; Garth Knox, Dublin born violist/composer based in Paris, who has collaborated with Concorde regularly since 2004; and Jane O’Leary, who has directed Concorde throughout the 40 years and who also celebrates her 70th birthday this October. 

The series will feature music ranging from the 1960s to the present day, including Irish composers James Wilson, Rhona Clarke, Judith Ring, Elaine Agnew and Deirdre McKay; a work written by Elliott Carter in his 103nd year; and George Crumb’s Voice of the Whale. Ariel Hernandez (Argentina) and Alejandro Castanos (Mexico), will also be featured in the series. Admission is free for all events.

Concorde also participates in the National Concert Hall’s Composing the Island series on 17 September with a concert in the Kevin Barry Room featuring music by Gerard Victory, Eric Sweeney, Stephen Gardner and more.

For full programme details for the ensemble’s 40th anniversary events, see below.