Musici Ireland to release debut album on Métier

Musici Ireland proudly presents their debut album with Métier – a captivating collection of chamber works by living Irish composers, each recorded for the first time. Among the featured works is the newly commissioned “EARTHRISE,” a powerful Concerto for viola and chamber ensemble by Liam Bates, commissioned by violist Beth McNinch, adding an important new work to the viola repertoire. The album also includes the evocative “Her Charms Invited” by Ian Wilson, the ethereal “Fiol String Trio” by Linda Buckley, Deirdre McKay’s intricate “Mr Shah,” and the haunting “Before the Moon Shattered and Shone Again” by Deirdre Gribbin.

Recorded in November 2023 at Grouse Lodge Recording Studios in Ireland, this release showcases the extraordinary talents of musicians from Musici Ireland including violinists Mia Cooper, Ioana Petcu-Colan and Siobhan Doyle; violist Beth McNinch; cellists Katie Tertell and Niamh Molloy; bassist Dominic Dudley; wind players Conor Sheil, Peter Ryan and Meadbh O’Rourke; and harpist Dianne Marshall.

The recording has been expertly produced by Jonathan Allen, a veteran of Abbey Road Studios with over two decades of experience and a distinguished career that includes Grammys, Gramophone Awards, and a BAFTA sound award for his work on the soundtrack of Les Miserables. 

This album is a significant addition to the contemporary chamber music repertoire, celebrating the vibrancy and creativity of Ireland’s musical landscape.  Divine Art CEO Stephen Sutton has expressed his joy at this new project:

“It’s wonderful to be working with this most excellent of chamber ensembles and presenting a whole set of premiere recordings. Our Métier label has been building a very strong relationship with artists and composers from Ireland and this album will surely be one of the highlights of the coming year.”

Musici Ireland, founded in 2012 as a chamber music collective, has evolved into a groundbreaking multidisciplinary production house, pushing artistic boundaries and creating impactful new works. With a core group of internationally renowned artists—including directors, choreographers, dancers, and composers—Musici Ireland is the only ensemble in the country dedicated to developing and presenting original theatrical and multidisciplinary productions with music at their heart. Their journey began with hundreds of classical performances across Ireland, earning  a strong reputation on the national and international stage. Since 2021, they have expanded our vision, integrating socially aware themes into their work and exploring innovative ways to engage with audiences. Original productions, like the acclaimed “A Mother’s Voice,” blend activism and artistry, bringing powerful stories to life through immersive experiences. This pioneering spirit has taken the ensemble to prestigious venues and festivals, including their recent American debut at the Contemporary American Theater Festival and  performances at the Kilkenny Arts Festival.  As artists-in-residence at the Belltable/Limetree Theatres in Limerick, Musici Ireland continues to explore new creative territories, developing works that challenge and inspire. Musici Ireland stands as a unique force within the Irish arts scene, dedicated to producing innovative, socially relevant, and musically-driven experiences that resonate deeply with audiences.

Album Details

• Title: ‘Earthrise’
• Label: Métier
• Catalogue number: MEX 77133
• Composers/works:
  • Fiol (Linda Buckley)
  • Before the Moon Shattered and Shone Again (Deidre Gribbin)
  • Mr. Shah (Deirdre McKay)
  • Her Charms Invited (Ian Wilson)
  • Earthrise (Liam Bates)
• Performers:  Musici Ireland
  • Meadhbh O Rourke (flute)
  • Conor Sheil (clarinet)
  • Peter Ryan (horn)
  • Iona Petcu Colan, Mia Cooper & Siobhan Doyle (violins)
  • Beth McNinch and Ed Creedon (violas)
  • Katie Tertell & Niamh Molloy (cellos)
  • Dominic Dudley (double bass)
  • Dianne Marshall (harp)
• Recorded on November 21-23, 2023
• For release in spring 2025