We Only Want the Earth
This two-part documentary series, presented by Jonathan Grimes of the Contemporary Music Centre, explores how Irish composers are responding to the climate and biodiversity crisis through their work. Can music inspire us to take ownership of what’s happening and help us imagine and shape a better future for all? Journeying across Ireland by bike, Jonathan meets with composers to chat about how they are engaging with the climate emergency. He hears how their music is seeking to sound the transformative changes we’re witnessing and ultimately give voice to hope.
Episode 1: Once Heard You Can’t Unhear It
In episode one, Karen Power describes how recording the sounds of our changing world has shaped her music. ‘I’ve been listening in the most remote places on our planet and been forever changed by them, and part of that change is in hearing the effects of humans and of industry – you can’t unhear them. It changes everything’. Listening to the natural world is also at the heart of Robert Coleman’s work and Jonathan takes a soundwalk with Robert in the woods of Belfast. Fellow sound artist and composer Natalia Beylis shares how the trauma of witnessing tree-felling in a commercial forest in Co. Leitrim, near her home, led to her composing new work.
By bike, Jonathan visits Ian Wilson in Cavan and Gráinne Mulvey in Carlow to discover how profoundly climate change is affecting them and influencing their work. Jonathan explores whether music can move us to positive action with Judith Ring who says: ‘music has always been and should always be political, it’s a powerful platform to voice your opinion’. Other guests include musicologist Stephen Graham and composers Éna Brennan, Nick Roth and Jennifer Walshe.
A Contemporary Music Centre production for RTÉ lyric fm co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán, Sound & Vision Scheme and RTÉ Independent Radio Productions.
Presented by Jonathan Grimes, Contemporary Music Centre
Produced by Helen Shaw, Athena Media and Jonathan Grimes
RTÉ lyric fm Series Producer: Eoin O Kelly
Production Coordinator: Lily Collins
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 17th March, 6pm-7pm
