NSO: Arvo Pärt, John Buckley, and Unsuk Chin

National Symphony Orchestra
Olari Elts, conductor
Carol McGonnell, clarinet
Andrew Zolinsky, piano

John Buckley Clarinet Concerto (world premiere, commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and New Music Dublin)
Arvo Pärt Symphony No. 3 
Unsuk Chin Piano Concerto (Irish premiere)

Estonian conductor Olari Elts makes a welcome return to the National Symphony Orchestra for a programme that includes the world premiere of Irish composer John Buckley’s Clarinet Concerto, given by the acclaimed clarinetist Carol McGonnell, co-commissioned by the NSO and New Music Dublin. 

As Arvo Pärt’s 90th birthday approaches in 2025, the NSO pays tribute to the celebrated Estonian composer with a performance of his Symphony No. 3. Berlin-based Korean composer Unsuk Chin is one of the most vibrant voices in new music, and her Piano Concerto receives its Irish premiere, given by award-winning British pianist and celebrated performer of Chin’s music, Andrew Zolinsky.

"Carol McGonnell’s mesmerizingly insistent clarinet playing" The New York Times

On Unsuk Chin’s Piano Concerto "the total effect is undeniably brilliant and effective" The Guardian 

Curiouser and curiouser ... Unsuk Chin’s Ligeti adventures are strangely wonderful, ...The piano eìtudes - four of the extant six of Chin's projected 12 - that Andrew Zolinsky brilliantly dispatched ... had one marvelling at miracles of high-speed articulation.”
The Sunday Times, Paul Driver

Zolinsky's virtuosity was at times incredible
Paul Driver, The Sunday Times (UK premiere of Unsuk Chin’s 6 Etudes”)

Presented by New Music Dublin 
Sponsored by  RTE/NCH/Arts Council Ireland