skip to main content

THE LYRIC FEATURE

Peter Whelan Artistic Director Irish Baroque Orch © Jen Owens Image Name: Peter Whelan Artistic Director Irish Baroque Orch © Jen Owens Description: Peter Whelan Artistic Director Irish Baroque Orch © Jen Owens

Master of the Musick, composer Matthew Dubourg

Matthew Dubourg a pupil of Francesco Geminiani, was a charismatic virtuoso and composer who spent most of his life in Ireland and who was appointed Chief Composer and Master of His Majesty’s Musick in Ireland in 1728.  Among his achievements, Dubourg led the orchestra at the premiere of Georg Friedrich Handel’s great oratorio Messiah.

Peter Whelan, artistic director of the Irish Baroque Orchestra believes Dubourg deserves to be acknowledged as one of Ireland’s most influential musicians. He has researched the composer and his music for a new CD release from the Irish Baroque Orchestra. With many of his compositions having only recently come to light, most are presented in the recording for the very first time. The programme presented by Máire Nic Gearailt, tells the fascinating story of Dubourg in an 18th century Dublin that was renowned for its rich musical life, attracting composers such as Handel, Geminiani and Arne. Additional contributors include from violinist Claire Duff and musicologist Triona O Hanlon.

Presenter: Máire Nic Gearailt

Producer: Joe Ó Dubhghaill

Series Producer RTÉ lyric fm: Olga Buckley

A Pine Valley Production for RTÉ lyric fm

(First broadcast 1st September 2019)

RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 17th May, 6pm-7pm