Renowned composer to create new work Youghal 800th Anniversary

The Internationally acclaimed Irish composer Kevin Volans has been commissioned to write a new work to mark the 800th Anniversary of St. Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal.

Composed for Uilleann Pipes and two String Quartets, the work entitled “Jubal’s Air” will receive its Live World Premiere at the Church in Youghal in May, as part of eight months of celebratory events being organised to mark the Church’s 800th Year. The Church is one of Youghal’s most significant Landmarks, and is described as “a national monument of huge national and international significance”.

Kevin Volans is one of the foremost living Irish Composers. Originally born in South Africa, Volans became an Irish citizen in 1994. His work is acclaimed across the world. The Composer’s 70th Birthday was celebrated at London’s Wigmore Hall in December. In 1997 the BBC Music Magazine listed him as one of the 50 most important living composers and he was described by the Village Voice (New York) as “one of the most original and unpredictable voices on the planet”

Speaking about “Jubal’s Air”, Mr. Volans commented “St. Mary’s Collegiate Church has been reputedly a centre of continuous religious worship for 800 years. This is a timespan that in all honesty is difficult to get one’s head around. Musically it’s the period in which most of the Western music that we listen to today: medieval, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, impressionist, atonal, serial, electronic, post-modern… was written. While not straying too far from my own musical language, I tried to write material (in different parts of the piece) that would not have been impossible in Ireland in both remote and contemporary times. Central to this is an exploration and extension of Uilleann pipe melody.”

Bryan Mohally, Chair of Youghal 2020 – St Mary’s 800, the Voluntary Group established to mark the Anniversary, said “we are honoured that Kevin Volans accepted our Commission, and we are proud that The Arts Council funded us to undertake it. “Jubal’s Air” will be a stunning experience when it is performed live in the beautiful and Historic setting of St. Mary’s. The Composition itself adds to the History of our Church, and is new and permanent legacy created especially for this important Anniversary here in Youghal.”

“Jubal’s Air” has been composed for Uilleann Pipes and Two String Quartets. Acclaimed Dungarvan Piper David Power will play Uilleann Pipes. The Contempo Quartet will be joined by the Danú Quartet, courtesy of The National String Quartet Foundation, who are supporting the performance of the Work, along with Cork County Council. The Work will receive its World Premiere on Saturday 16th May at 8 pm. A Website with further information and Tickets will be available after St. Patrick’s Day.