In 2026, Finding a Voice and CMC Ireland launched a new artist development initiative for emerging women composers to create new works for clarinet/bass clarinet. Participating artists attended an initial workshop at the Contemporary Music Centre with leading clarinettist Paul Roe and renowned composer and mentor Marion Ingoldsby workshopping new sounds and musical ideas. This closed workshop was followed by further mentoring with Marion Ingoldsby.
Six works in progress by composers Celia Donoghue, Nori Krupp, Fidelma Nugent, Cathy Purcell, Viktória Sinkorova and Abigail Smith have been selected for further development and performance at an open workshop as part of Finding a Voice Festival at Mainguard in Clonmel at 4pm on Saturday 7 March. Audiences are invited inside this collaborative process - to hear the music take shape, meet the composers, and discover these bold new Irish voices in contemporary composition. Tickets are free, booking at Finding a Voice Festival.
Artistic Director of Finding a Voice, Roisin Maher, says: “We were delighted to collaborate once again with the Contemporary Music Centre to give shortlisted composers this valuable professional development opportunity. Expanding beyond our previous single-winner format will allow six talented composers to share their work with the public and experience it performed live by the wonderful clarinettist Paul Roe. I’m really looking forward to hearing the new pieces presented in Clonmel on Saturday.”
Composer-mentor Dr Marian Ingoldsby adds: “It was a real pleasure to work with the composers and see the development from initial thoughts and sketches to the single line narrative that is the end product. A wonderful opportunity for experimentation and consolidation in an atmosphere of enjoyment and encouragement.”
Clarinettist Dr Paul Roe also notes: “What a joy it is to be part of such an important artistic process as ‘emerging’- it takes courage and encouragement in equal measure. I’m really looking forward to performing these pieces on Saturday.”
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