Music
04 Mar 25

Dublin Sound Lab’s Music Current festival returns next month with biggest programme to date

SOUNDINITIATIVE

“Music Current Festival has become a real creative hub where audiences can experience the breadth of international contemporary music," says festival director Fergal Dowling.

Dublin Sound Lab’s Music Current festival is set to return to the Project Arts Centre next month for its ninth edition, with its most action-packed programme yet. Taking place from April 22–26, you can look forward to five remarkable concerts over five days, featuring visiting artists from France, Germany and Poland.

The annual festival – which showcases contemporary Irish and new international electronic music in an accessible and friendly environment – also hosts workshops, talks, discussions, and more.

Trailblazing international artists Pony Says Trio (Germany), composer Maximilian Marcoll (Germany), pianist Małgorzata Walentynowicz (Poland), and SOUNDINITIATIVE (France) are all set to make their Irish debut at this year's edition of Music Current – with Irish composers and makers Tim Cape and Rob Canning, visual artist Jaki Irvine, and vocal ensemble Tonnta also set to feature

Małgorzata Walentynowicz

“Music Current Festival has become a real creative hub where audiences can experience the breadth of international contemporary music," comments festival director Fergal Dowling. "This year’s programme is the biggest yet with five concerts, including Dublin Sound Lab’s trademark multimedia 'Frenzy' concert, and visiting artists from France, Germany and Poland. There are three new commissions, four workshops on music theatre, composition, guitar technology and digital scores, a panel discussion on music 'ownership', and an audio-visual performance at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios.

"As always, every piece in every programme is an Irish premiere, but, since 2025 is Palestrina’s 500th anniversary, one highlight is Maximilian Marcoll’s Amproprification VI, based on Palestrina's famous Missa Papae Marcelli," Fergal continues. "Whether you take part in a workshop, discussion or concert, each event is unique and has to be experienced.”

Tim Cape. Credit: Rory McSwiggan

Music Current is produced in collaboration with the Contemporary Music Centre and supported by the Arts Council and Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne, with the friendly support of Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.

“The Contemporary Music Centre is delighted to continue its ongoing partnership with Music Current Festival in supporting the professional development programme," says Evonne Ferguson, the CMC's director. "This year’s series workshops and talks provide opportunities for both emerging and established artists to connect with international composers and performers – we look forward to facilitating these creative exchanges here at 19 Fishamble St.

"We’re thrilled also to see Music Current’s continued commitment to fostering international collaborations in their performance programme," she adds, "with works by composers from Ireland featured alongside international contemporaries and performed by a fantastic cohort of both Ireland-based and international artists.”

Music Current 2025 is also inviting composers to propose new works for to be performed in Dublin, in April 2026. Submissions may be for any combination of flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, cello, MIDI keyboard, electric guitar, electronics, or video, without conductor. You can find out more information here.