Dublin Sound Lab’s Music Current Festival returns in 2024 – offering a fascinating dive into themes of light, breath and video. Taking place at The Project Arts Centre from 2-6 April, the acclaimed annual showcase focuses on some of the best music makers from Ireland and abroad.

Now entering its eight iteration, the festival has built a reputation as a leading forum for creative minds in a modern musical landscape where composers are increasingly availing of new techniques and strategies to organise sounds.

Amongst the lineup are five new concerts: Austrian new music group Black Page Orchestra, acclaimed U.S experimental act TAK Ensemble, French avant-garde outfit lovemusic and the return of Belgian artist Nadar Ensemble.

Alongside the impressive array of performers is a series of workshops, covering a range of topics affecting the contemporary music industry.

In 19 Fishamble Street, Eryk Salvaggio will lead a Workshop on AI, with João Pedro Oliveira hosting an event on Electronic Music. Back at The Project Arts Centre, Lara Gallagher will lead a workshop on composition.

A panel discussion also takes place on the opening day of the festival, April 2. While events are free, booking in advance is recommended, as is a contribution €5 to cover refreshments.

 

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“Music Current Festival always aims to reveal the real excitement of experiencing live music,” said Festival Director Fergal Dowling. “This year’s programme has a special focus on video, light (and darkness), and the human voice, with programmes exploring the relationship between music and visual image, and sound in darkness.

“Music creation is always central to the festival and this year we have three new works written especially for Dublin Sound Lab, three workshops focusing on music creation, and special composer events. As always, every piece in every programme is an Irish premiere. So this really is music that has to be experienced, not just heard.”

Nadar Ensemble by Wim Heirbaut.

Music Current workshops are supported by the Contemporary Music Centre, Dublin (www.cmc.ie). Evonne Ferguson, the organisation's director, commented on the festivities: “The Contemporary Music Centre is delighted to continue our ongoing partnership with Music Current festival in our support for the professional development events.

“The 2024 series of workshops and talks will provide opportunities for emerging and established artists active in New Music in Ireland to connect with international composers and performers - we look forward to facilitating these exciting exchanges here at 19 Fishamble St. We’re thrilled also to see this same spirit of collaboration and connection throughout the performance programme.”

For more information, including the full schedule, visit www.musiccurrent.ie.