The Irish Baroque Orchestra turns 30 this year and The Lyric Feature is marking the occasion with rebroadcasts of programmes we’ve made inspired by their projects and scored by their performances.
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 an album from the Irish Baroque Orchestra which was released in 2019. With many of his compositions having only recently come to light, most are presented in the recording for the very first time. The programme 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 (A Pine Valley Production for the Lyric Feature)
(First broadcast 1st September 2019)
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 12th April, 6pm-7pm
