IAN IS KERRY’S NEW MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE

TALENTED musicians and music lovers in Kerry are set to get support from Kerry’s new musician in residence, Ian Wilson.

Ian, who is one of Ireland’s leading composers, will share his knowledge with musicians across the county in his new role.

Ian has written nearly 200 works, including operas, concertos, string quartets, a range of orchestral and chamber music as well as multi-media pieces.

His compositions have been performed in six continents, and presented at festivals including the BBC Proms, Venice Biennale, Frankfurt Book Fair and at venues such as Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Vienna’s Musikverein. He is a member of Aosdána, Ireland’s State sponsored body of creative artists.

Ian is also an experienced songwriter and is inviting songwriters and composers in Kerry to come along to free workshops to discuss their work in a friendly and constructive manner.

Ian will also develop a composition project for schools and will work across the four Municipal Districts in Kerry, helping students to explore music-making which relates to natural events. The aim is to assist teachers and young people to develop a confidence about creating music.

“I am keen to assist participants to develop confidence in music-making, creating an atmosphere where we are open to experimentation and invention. Knowing how to play an instrument is secondary to this way of working,” says Ian.

Arts Officer at Kerry County Council, Kate Kennelly, says that having Ian as Musician in Residence is good news for the county. “Ian Wilson has led schools projects over the past 25 years for bodies such as the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Sonorities Festival of Contemporary Music, Ulster Orchestra and Chamber Choir Ireland. Having him in Kerry presents a wonderful opportunity for musicians and school communities right across the county”.

Ian can be contacted at composer@kerrycoco. ie. The Musician in Residence is a partnership between Kerry County Council and The Arts Council. It is supported by the NPWS and Trustees of Muckross House.