Drone Mass
St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny
10 August 2024
Programme
Jóhann Jóhannsson—Drone Mass Irish Premiere
Performers
Chamber Choir Ireland
Crash Ensemble
Gabriel Crouch—Conductor
Experience Jóhann Jóhannsson's mesmerising Drone Mass, performed by Chamber Choir Ireland and Crash Ensemble at Kilkenny Arts Festival 2024.
Despite the name, Drone Mass isn’t really a mass. It’s a mysterious and richly textured work inspired by an ancient Egyptian Coptic hymn, and for its Irish premiere, Kilkenny Arts Festival has assembled some of the finest musicians in the land, Crash Ensemble and Chamber Choir Ireland.
Weaving voices, strings and electronics into a mesmerising soundscape that bears comparison with the work of minimalist greats like Arvo Pärt and Henryk Górecki, Drone Mass is the thrilling debut Irish performance of a great composer’s crowning achievement.
The late Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson was a singular talent, as celebrated for his theatre and film scores (including Arrival and Sicario) as for his orchestral work, and Drone Mass is his defining work.
As per the Kilkenny Arts Festival printed programme, please note that Paul Hillier was originally due to conduct, but due to circumstances beyond our control, will be unable to do so for this performance. The programme remains unchanged and we are delighted to welcome Gabriel Crouch to conduct.
Despite the name, Drone Mass isn’t really a mass. It’s a mysterious and richly textured work inspired by an ancient Egyptian Coptic hymn, and for its Irish premiere, Kilkenny Arts Festival has assembled some of the finest musicians in the land, Crash Ensemble and Chamber Choir Ireland.
Weaving voices, strings and electronics into a mesmerising soundscape that bears comparison with the work of minimalist greats like Arvo Pärt and Henryk Górecki, Drone Mass is the thrilling debut Irish performance of a great composer’s crowning achievement.
The late Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson was a singular talent, as celebrated for his theatre and film scores (including Arrival and Sicario) as for his orchestral work, and Drone Mass is his defining work.
As per the Kilkenny Arts Festival printed programme, please note that Paul Hillier was originally due to conduct, but due to circumstances beyond our control, will be unable to do so for this performance. The programme remains unchanged and we are delighted to welcome Gabriel Crouch to conduct.
