On Easter Sunday 24^th April 2011, dynamic Dublin pianist and Fulbright Alumnus, Thérèse Fahy,debuted a program of 21st-century Irish piano music in the Dublin City Gallery, Hugh Lane.  This event officially launched a concert tour where she gave four recitals on the East Coast of America. The concerts were co-funded by the Fulbright Commission and Imagine Ireland.

From the music of Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance) to jazz-influenced Ronan Guilfoyle, the concerts represented a cross-section of styles from the Irish contemporary music scene, the traditional and the avant-garde. The pianist connected with audiences in each venue by introducing the music and speaking briefly about the composers which helped those attending gain an additional appreciation of the piano music from the first decade of the new millennium.

Recital Dates:

Speaking about the tour Thérèse Fahy said:

“It was an honour to premier these wonderful works to an American audience. I have collaborated with many of the musicians before and it was exciting to be playing such a vibrant and colourful repertoire of compositions in such prestigious locations and venues on the East Coast of the US.

My goal, when researching in the Contemporary Music Centre was to perform music of contrasting styles and moods by Irish composers of varying ages, personalities and philosophies, as well as of a variety of musical backgrounds, life experiences and artistic vision. I was thrilled with the reception to the pieces in all of the venues and hope that this will raise an awareness for the talented compositions coming out of Ireland."

Colleen Dube, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission said;

“Not only is Thérèse a gifted musician she is a genuine ambassador for Irish culture.  She has been the beneficiary of numerous scholarships from the Italian and French governments to study in Siena and Paris and a Fulbright Scholarship to study in the US with Joseph Kalichstein at the St Louis Conservatory.

“Inter-changes showcased Irish contemporary composers represented by the Contemporary Music Centre and initiated new conversations between Ireland and the US, across disciplines and among varied audiences in the US.”

Notes to Editor:

Culture Ireland is the state agency for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide, working under the aegis of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport.  Culture Ireland creates and supports opportunities for Irish artists to present their work at strategic international festivals, venues, showcases and arts markets. The agency comprises a board appointed by the Minister and an executive staff led by the Chief Executive. www.cultureireland.gov.ie

Imagine Ireland is a year-long season of Irish arts in America in 2011, an initiative of Culture Ireland, with funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport. www.imagineireland.ie.