Ed Bennett: My Broken Machines

Formed in 2003 by Irish composer Ed Bennett as a collective of performers and composers, Decibel explores experimental, energetic, extreme and unusual work which generally exists between, or outside the usual categories. They play contemporary music which combines a direct amplified instrumental ensemble sound with electronics, improvisation and in some cases theatrical elements.

Apart from premiering many works by Ed Bennett, Decibel has worked with a diverse range of subversive composers and artists including Louis Andriessen, Laurence Crane and Michael Finnissy, commissioning and premiering many new works. The group has also collaborated with artists from different disciplines including video artists and choreographers.

Since Decibel's first concert in Belfast in 2003 it has performed in concert halls, libraries, fields, sculptures, schools and art galleries throughout the UK and Ireland, to enthusiastic audiences and critical acclaim.

Rowland Sutherland     flute/ piccolo
Maria Insua Cao     clarinet/ bass clarinet
Neil McGovern         saxophone
Murphy McCaleb         trombone
Alan Thomas         electric guitar
Fumiko Miyachi         piano
Damien Harron         percussion
Barbara Lueneburg     violin
Ulrich Mertin         viola
Clare O'Connell     cello
Richard Pryce         double bass
Daniele Rosina         conductor

Bogdan Sofei, violin
Ingrid Nicola, violin
Andreea Banciu, viola
Adrian Mantu, cello
 

Formed in 1995 when its members were students at the Music University in Bucharest, Romania, the ConTempo String Quartet has toured the world extensively and has won a record 14 international prizes in competitions including the London String Quartet Competition, in Rome, Munich, Graz, Berlin, Prague and Hamburg.

In 1999 the quartet took up a Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music where they taught chamber music classes and had the chance to meet and work with world-famous quartets such as the Amadeus, Alban Berg, Hagen, Tokyo and Emerson. Since 2003, the ConTempo has been Quartet in Residence on the West Coast of Ireland.

Paul Roe is a one of Ireland's most creative and versatile musicians. He was Associate-Principal Clarinet of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland from 1987-2000. Since then he has focussed on solo and ensemble repertoire performing throughout Europe, Asia and North America. He teaches clarinet at The Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin-Ireland and is a member of Concorde - Contemporary Music Ensemble. Paul has a PhD in Music (Performance Practice) from the University of York. His latest CD - Between-Solos and Duos - is available on the Diatribe label.