ClarinetFest 2024 Commission
Murrough is delighted to have been commissioned by two outstanding performers and educators to compose a 10-minute clarinet duo for the upcoming ClarinetFest in Dublin (July 31 - August 4, 2024). Dr Aileen Razey is a multi-genre orchestral musician, chamber musician and soloist of international acclaim teaching at Kutztown University who has been described as having ‘a truly beautiful sound which she displayed with an emotionally colorful performance’ (The Clarinet). Kelsey Paquin, an award-winning performer who has appeared as a guest lecturer and clinician at universities across the US, is currently carrying out extensive doctoral research into the wonderful music of John Mayer at Florida State University. Both Aileen and Kelsey came across Murrough’s work when browsing through the vibrant range of new music in the Contemporary Music Centre of Ireland’s catalogue.
This piece will attempt to connect multiple reeds, contrasting musical cultures and technology to explore innovative textural and harmonic dimensions. Using two clarinets and effect pedals (e.g. a loop pedal), Murrough intends to draw from the distinctive musical language of the seven-reed Irish uilleann pipes and the blues guitar music of his youth to create a futuristic clarinet with limitless possibilities. Keep your eyes peeled for updates as the project develops! For more information, see the links below.
