Music Current Festival returns this month for 5 days of new Irish and international music, offering some of the newest beats and technology in music.
Returning to its creative homes at Project Arts Centre and the Contemporary Music Centre this April (22- 26) and with the biggest programme yet offering 5 concerts over 5 days, including Dublin Sound Lab’s trademark multimedia “Frenzy” concert, and visiting artists from France, Germany and Poland. The annual festival showcases some of the best Irish and international contemporary music makers. The festival will also host workshops, talks, discussions and the 2025 Music Current Commission for composers looking to make new work.
Now in its 9th edition of the festival offers a showcase of contemporary Irish and new international electronic music in an accessible and friendly environment. It continues to platform some of the most trailblazing music artists including this year’s artists; Pony Says Trio (Germany), composer Maximilian Marcoll (Germany), pianist Małgorzata Walentynowicz (Poland), SOUNDINITIATIVE (France), all of whom are performing in Ireland for the very first time – and Irish composers and makers Tim Cape and Rob Canning, and vocal ensemble Tonnta, who are dedicated to performing with new music. Visual artist Jaki Irvine will show her work at Temple Bar Gallery and studios – a first and new venue for Music Current this year. As well as the main concert programme, the festival includes workshops, professional development classes, and a public panel discussion. These five days in April host an exciting mix of meetings with these Irish and international creative minds where composers are increasingly using new techniques and strategies to organise and create new sound at Music Current Festival.
Festival Director, Fergal Dowling commenting on this year’s programme says,“Music Current Festival has become a real creative hub where audiences can experience the breadth of international contemporary music. This year’s programme is the biggest yet with five concerts, including Dublin Sound Lab’s trademark multimedia “Frenzy” concert, and visiting artists from France, Germany and Poland. There are three new commissions, four workshops on music theatre, composition, guitar technology and digital scores, a panel discussion on music “ownership”, and an audio-visual performance at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios. As always, every piece in every programme is an Irish premiere, but, since 2025 is Palestrina’s 500th anniversary, one highlight is Maximilian Marcoll’s Amproprification VI, based on Palestrina’s famous Missa Papae Marcelli. Whether you take part in a workshop, discussion or concert, each event is unique and has to be experienced.”
Evonne Ferguson, Director of the Contemporary Music Centre, commenting on this year’s Music Current festival says, “The Contemporary Music Centre is delighted to continue its ongoing partnership with Music Current Festival in supporting the professional development programme. This year’s series workshops and talks provide opportunities for both emerging and established artists to connect with international composers and performers – we look forward to facilitating these creative exchanges here at 19 Fishamble St. We’re thrilled also to see Music Current’s continued commitment to fostering international collaborations in their performance programme – with works by composers from Ireland featured alongside international contemporaries and performed by a fantastic cohort of both Ireland-based and international artists.”
Music Current is produced in collaboration with the Contemporary Music Centre and supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne, and with the friendly support of Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.
“Music Current festival in Dublin has its finger more firmly on the pulse of what’s happening in Europe and internationally.”- Journal of Music
Music Current 2025 runs at Project Arts Centre; Contemporary Music Centre; and Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, Dublin from 22-26 April. Check out the full programme here.
