One of Ireland's most outstanding performers, Cooney joins with UCD Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Ciaran Crilly for Philip Glass' iconic concerto on Thursday 4th March in the NCH, directly after our own talking shop (see next posting for Forum attendee special offers)

Elizabeth’s Irish performances in March include:

Thursday 4 March 8.00pm
National Concert Hall  www.nch.ie
Philip Glass concerto with UCD Symphony Orchestra/Ciarán Crilly conductor
 
Friday  5 March 8.00pm
Fota House, Cork  (Phone 0214815543) with Elisaveta Blumina, piano
 
Saturday 6 March 8.00pm
Gala Concert for Cork Alzheimer's Society, Aula Maxima, UCC
 
Saturday 13 March 8.00pm
Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Co.Meath www.solsticeartscentre.com
with Elisaveta Blumina, piano

Two weeks to go…………

Thursday March 4^th 2010

Carolan Room, National Concert Hall

6pm to 8.30pm

(tea/coffee available from 5.30pm and at close of business)

We are delighted to announce our panel of experts, drawn from a variety of musical genres and areas of the profession:

John Wallace, Chair, founder of the Wallace Collection and Principal of Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

Conor Byrne, highly accomplished flute player with several award winning documentaries under his belt who runs the hugely popular County Sessions, currently pulling in big crowds in the Button Factory in Temple Bar. 

Iarlaith Carter, senior artist manager, Harrison Parrott Music Management

Julie Feeney, Choice Music Prize winning composer-performer

Gerry Godley, Improvised Music Company and National Campaign for the Arts

Anthony De Ritis, Chair of Music, Northeastern University, Boston, and composer of ‘Devolution’ for symphony orchestra and DJ.

What is our talking shop about?

On March 4^th 2010, the National Concert Hall hosts the first Forum for Music in Ireland ‘Talking Shop’, a gathering designed to enable networking and stimulate discussion about current issues in music led by an Irish and international panel that will deal with questions raised by Forum members in advance and asked from the floor.

For this first talking shop, we have taken the issue closest to Forum members’ hearts- the challenges of developing a sustainable career as a musician. Our panel will help us look afresh at the challenges of audience development, availability of work opportunities, problems with working conditions for musicians and more.

We have included two brief mid-session presentations showcasing some new initiatives around the country:

Sarah Franklyn of the Music and Arts Guild of Ireland (MAGI), an organisation formed with the objective of finding a tangible way to transform the working conditions for artist practitioners in Ireland by offering a holistic approach that brings together seemingly unrelated sectors through the arts to create new economic opportunities and generate a sustainable livelihood for artists.

Jessica Fuller of Platform Ireland Beta, a new online channel which showcases the best of Irish arts and culture for free. Currently www.platformireland.ie features performances from the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Donnacha Dennehy, Druid Theatre Company, the Irish Modern Dance Theatre, Poetry Ireland and plenty of short films and introductions to some of Irelands leading culture and entertainment organisations.

We want YOUR questions!

We would like to thank those who have submitted questions already. If you would like to ask a question, we ask you to e mail dkkelleherdeborah@gmail.com  by Thursday 25^th February and we will try to get to all submitted questions in the session. Questions will be chosen on a ‘first come/first served’ basis.

Finish your night off with some music…………

The UCD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA is performing ‘AMERICANA’, a concert that features music from Broadway, the ballet and the big screen with soloist Elizabeth Cooney right in the National Concert Hall on the night of our Talking Shop. Attendees have generously been offered a reduced price of €12 per ticket (normal price €18) which can be accessed by using the online booking promotion code UCD1.

See you there!

Open Auditions to find the new Galway Apprentice Ensemble in Residence 2010 
 

The Apprentice Ensemble Project is an open competition which offers a group of musicians dedicated tuition time with the world famous Galway Ensemble in Residence – ConTempo. The successful ensemble will also be provided with practice space and resources to further their instrumental proficiency both as individual players and within ensemble playing. The prestigious position will have a duration of one year running April to April and during this year long engagement, the apprentice Ensemble will also be provided with a number of opportunities to perform in a professional capacity.  

The position is offered to established ensembles wanting to further enrich their experience of ensemble music and may also suit musicians coming together for the first time. Teachers, professional or pre-professional instrumentalists will particularly benefit from ConTempo’s extensive performance, competition and teaching experience. 

Closing date for the Apprentice Ensemble Scheme is 26 February 2010 with audition’s happening in Galway from 2 – 6th March.  The Application form is available on our website at www.galwayensemble.ie or by post. For further information call  + 353 91 586706  + 353 91 586706 . 

The Galway Ensemble-in-Residence was established in 2002 to develop a comprehensive music development programme for Galway, with a professional residency at its centre.  The project is designed to bring music to new people in Galway City and County. The programme involves collaborations with local and national music organisations, educational institutions and individual musicians. ConTempo String Quartet is the current resident ensemble. 

Auditions For A New Professional Irish Theatre Production

Julian Benson Management is holding auditions for lead vocalists, Irish dancers and musicians for it’s forthcoming production, “Celtic Dawn”, a dynamic production of traditional Irish music, song and dance.

The show will open in The Burlington Hotel in early 2010 – October 2010.

AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE BURLINGTON HOTEL.

Dance auditions will be held on Saturday, 13^th February.

Vocalist and musician auditions will be held on Sunday 14^th February.

Those wishing to audition should contact Julian Benson Mgmt. on (01) 6764377 for an audition time.

All those attending audition should bring a CV and headshot.

* REQUIREMENTS *

IRISH DANCERS (Minimum age: 16)

All dancers auditioning should be of champion level and available for full-time rehearsals from the last 2 weeks in May. Dancers with a good vocal ability and that are proficient in playing a traditional Irish instrument should also prepare a piece to perform at the audition.

Dancers must prepare 1 hard and 1 soft shoe step.

VOCALISTS

We are looking for strong, competent, lead vocalists to perform a cross section of music from classical, musical theatre and sean nos. Vocalists should prepare 2 contrasting songs, showcasing their range. Suggested songs: “You Raise Me Up”, “Danny Boy”, “The Waters Wide”. Please bring appropriate sheet music to the audition.

TRADITIONAL MUSICANS

We are looking for a traditional Irish music group who are used to performing together to include, fiddle, pipes and bodhran. In addition, we are also looking for fiddle, pipes and bodhran soloists. Those auditioning, should be dynamic performers with excellent traditional Irish music skills who can play one or more traditional instruments at the highest level.

SATURDAY, 13^TH FEBRUARY:                     DANCE AUDITIONS

10AM – 3PM

4PM – 6PM (RECALLS)

SUNDAY, 14^TH FEBRUARY:             VOCAL & MUSICIAN AUDITIONS

10AM – 3PM

4PM – 6PM (RECALLS)

ALL AUDITIONEES MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR THE FULL PERIOD FROM MID MAY TO OCTOBER 2010.

You might find the following workshop of interest

YOUR BRAIN AND MUSIC
Saturday 17th April 2010
Half Day workshop : 9.30am - 1.30 pm
National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2
Tickets: e85 front section/e75 rest of house/e45 concessions
Group booking discounts - email jane@seminars.ie
 
Speakers
Daniel J Levitin - Jazz Musician, author of 'This Is Your Brain On Music', Professor of Pyschology and Neurosciences at McGill University
 
Paul Robertson - Chief Executive of the Music Mind Spirit Turst and founder leader of the Medici String Quartet.
 
Gary Ansdell - Music Therapist, Director of Education and Lecturee at Nordoff-Robbins Centre, London.
 
This half day worskhop brings together three experts to give a comprehensive overview of the healing properties of music and its effects on the brain,  and how this understanding can lead to effective treatment of neurological problems.
 
Music has always been considered a soothing and healing influence, calming the soul and relieving stress. With the rise in Music Therapy as a paramedical discipline we have come to understand just how useful it can be in the treatment of autism, learning disabilities, dementia, neurological disorders and depression.
Who Should Attend:
Musicians
Music and Medical students
Carers and health workers
Psychologists
Psychiatric workers
Teachers
Music Therapists
Anyone who wishes to know more about the brain and music!

Programme
9.30     Introduction
9.45     Paul Robertson – Music, Mind , Spirit
           Gary Ansdell – Music Therapy
11.00   Q & A
11.30   Coffee Break
12.00   Daniel Levitin – Music and the Brain
1.30     Close

TO BOOK  CHECK THE NCH WEBSITE OR CALL (353) (0)1 417 0000
 
 
 GROUP BOOKINGS EMAIL jane@seminars.ie

‘Grasping the Nettle’

Summary of Plenary 8^th December 2009

Morning session 11-1

Tania Banotti- National Campaign for the Arts/ Theatre Forum

The National Camnpaign for the Arts is led by a pro-bono group representing all of the art forms. It was founded in response to disturbing elements found in the McCarthy Report.

Focusing on the December budget the Campaign decided to focus on 5 main goals with budget day as ‘D-Day’:

• Retention of Culture Ireland, the agency for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide.
• Retention of The Irish Film Board, development agency of the Irish film industry.
• Maintenance of existing levels of funding to the Arts Council.
• Retention of the artists’ income tax exemption scheme.
• Commitment to retain the arts portfolio at cabinet as part of a senior ministerial portfolio.

(3 of the 5 goals were achieved)

There were three main tactics in the strategy to raise awareness:

• Engage the media at national and local level and get artists to speak out to generate publicity. It was discovered that the arts had sympathetic partners in journalism.
• Meet as many politicians as possible (21% met so far)
• Set up local campaigns by constituency and get as many artists as possible to register in their constituency. Local effort proved a revelation. For more information on local initiatives please check the Campaign website- www.ncfa.ie

Of all the arts groups, musicians have been the group that have not mobilised well. The Campaign is keen to involve more musicians to help educate politicians about the value of arts organisations to Ireland.

About the Theatre Forum:

Founded in 2003 out of a multiplicity of groups, this organisation is run by two full time administrators and receives Arts Council funding and further revenue through members’ fees. The Forum runs practical training days, meetings of venue managers, productions companies and more and circulates key industry information to members. Tania believes such work cannot be done on a voluntary basis.

Aisling Ryan Music Network on the U2/Music Network Music Education Scheme.

Aisling placed the Music Network scheme in context by relating the history of this campaign to increase provision for music education for all children in Ireland. Statistics such as the fact that only 0.2% of Irish children (rising more recently to 1%) have access to instrumental/vocal tuition in Ireland compared to 12.2% in Sweden and the 6-8% EU average supports the need for such a campaign.

Given that this access is not equitable, it was terrific to form a partnership with U2 and the Ireland Funds in 2009 that would improve access dramatically. The project will roll out between 2010 and 2015 and a project manager will be appointed in early 2010. After that applications for funding will be sought and these applications must include an association with a VEC who will match funding.

Full details are not available as yet but those interested in receiving information were asked to contact Music Network to register an interest.

Gerard Flanagan- Kylemore College CDVEC

Gerard Flanagan spoke from his perspective as the recipient of funding for a pilot project involving his College and partners in the Dublin area. This pilot serves as a good model for the type of project that could receive funding. Gerard gave a detailed account of the setting up of this pilot and included a ‘how-to’ element in his talk ranging from human resources concerns to strategic planning. Gerard kindly agreed to let us circulate his powerpoint presentation, so for a more detailed summary, please find it attached.

Sean MacCarthaigh- Head of Public Affairs, Arts Council

Sean discussed the value of the Indecon report ‘Assessment of Economic Impact of the Arts’ which argues persuasively that the arts are central to economic recovery. The figures that conservatively 50,000 people are employed in the arts in Ireland which stands up impressively to the 70, 000 employed in ICT demonstrates that the arts need to be valued for more than their ability to move or entertain, although this value must never be forgotten or minimised.

While the Irish economy is getting bad press internationally, the arts in Ireland continue to create good press, with presence on the world stage and accolades that continue to come our way. Already generating 2.4 Billion euro in cultural tourism, MacCarthaigh argued that the Indecon report supports the fact that the arts is one of Ireland’s unique selling propositions and that we should be investing more, not less.

Please find the latest news from Tania Banotti on the National Campaign for the Arts. The Forum for Music in Ireland has contributed to the fundraising effort for the Campaign and we support their excellent work.

(From Tania)

The National Campaign for the Arts met with Minister Martin Cullen on 25th November.

The delegation consisted of Sarah Glennie, Director of the Irish Film Institute, Gerry Godley, Director of the Improvised Music Company, Fiach MacConghail, Director of the Abbey Theatre and myself.

The Minister is back at work after a few weeks absence and we were one of the first groups into see him, which is a good sign of the seriousness with which the campaign is being taken.

We had a positive meeting. We introduced the campaign. We explained how all art forms have come together for the first time and that the campaign represents 20,000 people; we presented the Minister with a full list of members. We also delivered the petition, a huge weighty tome of over 10,000 signatures. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen!

We talked about the goals of the campaign, e.g. importance of the Film Board and Culture Ireland, the vital role the Arts Council plays in the whole arts ecology etc. We discussed the grassroots campaign which has taken place around the country in recent weeks; he is aware of the poster campaign in Waterford for e.g.

The Minister indicated that no agency would be cut disproportionately which we took to mean that % cuts to the Culture Ireland, Film Board, Arts Council etc will all be broadly similar.

The Commission on Taxation's recommendation to abolish the artists tax exemption is an issue. No decision has been taken and different options such as income spreading over a number of years are being considered.
 
We will continue to keep up the pressure until Budget Day on Dec 9th.  We will update you all ASAP on Budget day, as soon as the picture for the arts becomes clear.

In the meantime there have been some great initiatives around the country including  a flash mob on the streets of Cork that has gone viral with an amazing 36,000 hits on You-tube, A terrific poster campaign in Waterford which brings to life the human side of the story and a very professional video made by the film and theatre community in Louth about their value to the county.

 
Tania Banotti
National Campaign for the Arts

If you would like to follow the National Campaign for the Arts you can check out their website: http://www.ncfa.ie/

‘Grasping the Nettle’

Plenary 8^th December 2009

It is exactly one week until our Forum for Music in Ireland Plenary meeting. We hope to see you there.

When:

Tuesday, 8th December from 11 to 1 and 2 to 4. Sandwiches provided at lunch

Where:

Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO),

Copyright House,

Pembroke Row,

Lower Baggot Street,

Dublin 2.

Who is speaking:

11am Tania Banotti, National Campaign for the Arts

11.30am Aisling Ryan (Music Network) and Gerard Flanagan (Kylemore College CDVEC) on the U2/Music Network music education scheme

12.15pm A representative from the Arts Council on the Indecon Report, ‘Assessment of Economic Impact of the Arts in Ireland’.

1pm Lunch

2pm Open discussion on the future direction of the Forum for Music in Ireland. Many thanks to those can’t make the Plenary but who have sent in written submissions. If you would like to submit something please e mail dkkelleherdeborah@gmail.com. Below you will find a selection of the comments sent in thus far.

4pm Close

Comments from members on various issues (all direct quotes):

• Level of activity:   Whereas the number of opportunities is growing with mda festivals, local authority arts office activities in some areas, etc.,  the number of concerts of chamber music in arts centres is very low.
• Quality of venues:  Many arts centres and theatres are not good venues for music.  In some venues, there are better locations for music than the main auditoriums but not recognised as such.
• Conditions:  Many venues are too cold in winter for both performers and instruments.   Lighting is often inadequate.  Accommodation, if provided, isn’t always at acceptable level.  Musicians should not be expected to share rooms.   They need to eat.
• Fees:    Fees are generally inadequate.   It is not always recognised that a concert is more than two hours work; preparatory time, programming, rehearsing, travel costs etc. must be acknowledged.   Artists cannot be expected to work for nothing, which is often the case when travel, accommodation, etc. are not covered.    Artists’ fees should not subsidise piano hire and other venue costs.  
• Audiences:    Audiences are the responsibility of the promoter.  Low numbers are not the fault of the performers.  
• Foreign artists:   Why is it assumed that foreign artists are better than Irish musicians?  Why do audiences flock to mediocre and even poor performances by visiting ensembles and “orchestras” and ignore high quality concerts by Irish artists?   Funded promoters have a responsibility above just providing platforms for incoming touring ensembles.
• Might it be possible to campaign for recognition of Irish artists/ensembles and standards with promoters and venue managers.
• Residency    Very few musicians can sustain a full-time performing career in Ireland.   Being based in a large centre of activity, such as London, raises level of activity, allows interaction with other musicians, etc.   However, this adds travel costs to activities here and creates problems with luggage, transport of instruments etc.  
• VAT on non-resident artist’ fees.
• The Theatre Forum is very strong and seems to have a lobbying role on arts issues.  I don't think the Music Forum has taken on this role and perhaps it is better for all art forms to present a united front (as in the current campaign representing the arts sector to the government).  However, there certainly is a role for a representative music organisation and this is what should be clarified.
• I would suggest that the overarching need for music in Ireland is a national policy which will require a commitment from Government for an appropriate period of time.  Until we have policy, and both the statutory body/bodies and funding to deliver it, music in Ireland will continue to be distinguished by the voluntary contributions of individuals (which necessarily wax and wane) and the not necessarily coordinated efforts of a variety of bodies, the overall impact of which is often at best undermined and at worst dissipated.
• Many forms of music are really well organised- I mean traditional music, Jazz and pop music. Classical music seems to need a Forum like this more than the other types of music. Is it time for Classical music to have its own Forum?

You might be interested in the following campaign for the arts which has been recently launched:

The National Campaign for the Arts is a broad and inclusive coalition that reflects the scale, reach and diversity of the arts in Ireland today.  Its membership has a national reach that includes major festivals, venues, producers and representative organisations in visual arts, theatre, film, dance, music, literature, architecture and collaborative arts. 

For further information you can check their website: http://www.ncfa.ie/

This initiative's strength lies in drawing together and unifying all the art forms under one lobbying umbrella and argues very persuasively for the importance of the arts to Irish Society. This argument must be made in light of funding cuts to the arts that have probably affected everyone involved in arts organisations.

The Campaign's website also has newspaper articles and comments from those involved in the arts and it makes for very interesting reading.

The Forum for Music in Ireland has joined the National Campaign for the Arts on behalf of its members to show support for this initiative.

Next Plenary

Watch out for details of the Forum for Music in Ireland’s next plenary, which will take place on 8th December in the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.

If you would like to contact the Forum for Music in Ireland you may do so by e mailing Deborah at info@forumformusic.ie