The Irish Composition Summer School started as the Ennis Composition Summer School, founded in 1983 by John Buckley, and has been responsible for over thirty years of excellence in composition teaching by Irish and international composers. Previous directors have included Nicola LeFanu, James Wilson, John Buckley, Kevin O’Connell and Michael Alcorn. A majority of the most successful Irish composers of the last three decades have attended the Summer School. It has provided them the opportunity to work with leading names in composition - including Bent Sorensen, Poul Ruders, Christopher Fox, Liza Lim, Kevin Volans, Simon Bainbridge, Michael Finnissy, Jo Kondo and Clarence Barlow - and in performance, including Dorothy Dorow, Collette McGahon, Sylvia O’Brien, the Prey Trio, Jane Manning, the Fidelio Trio, the Clarion Horn Trio and the ConTempo Quartet.
This year’s school will offer a range of lectures, presentations and demonstrations on all aspects of contemporary composition, focusing on contemporary writing for any combination of the available forces (vn, va, vc, db), with optional electronics.
At the end of the course, the students’ works will be presented in workshop, rehearsed and digitally recorded by the performers in residence. Throughout the course, students will receive guidance from experienced course directors and nationally and internationally renowned composers. This year, the ICSS is delighted to welcome Laura Elise Schwendinger as Guest Director, who will present seminars on her own work, as well as giving individual tutorials to all students.
Due to the short duration of the course students are expected to come with some sketches/ideas prepared.
Please note the course does not provide accommodation.
The course involves a great deal of individual tuition and so is suitable for a range of students from postgraduate, to graduate, to Leaving Certificate students (aged 17+) taking contemporary composition as an elective. The course involves a combination of one-to-one tutorials with the participating composers, and group seminars. These will cover the major aspects of contemporary composition such as harmony, rhythm, formal structure, the use of music technology and instrumental writing.
How to Apply
Click here for the application form and brochure
Please enclose the following with your application:
- Name; Address; Phone No; Email; Present place ot study; Musical qualifications
A brief summary of your experience in composition and a list of any works composed
The name and contact details of one referee who may be contacted to report on your composition or experience
Completed applications should be sent to the address below by Friday, June 10th 2016. Applications can also be sent by email.
Dr John McLachlan, Irish Composition Summer School, Ballyargus, Redcastle, Lifford, Co. Donegal email [email protected],
Ph/fax 074 9383734
Course directors will assess applications, and applicants will be contacted within one week of closing date. 50% of fee will be due by June 24th 2016.
COMPOSITION COURSE July 5th - 14th €350
Observer: €30 per day
This entitles participants to attend lectures and workshops only. Observers should fill in the form on this brochure and write a cover note marked ‘observer’ indicating the number of days they wish to attend.