Crash Ensemble commissioned video artist and filmmaker Jack Phelan to create an installation responding to the visual themes of Irish composer Barry O’Halpin’s groundbreaking work Wingform – a four movement work for solo guitar and ensemble, premiered online at new music Dublin 2021 and released on Crash Records as part of New Music Dublin 2022.

“Cell-like forms hatching, splitting, segmenting in snake-like forms.
The drones of insect wings and human machines.
Animal growls and metallic friction.
The development and slow decay of an organism.”

Now coming to the Regional Cultural Centre for as month-long visit from Tuesday, 15th March, using a simple set of shapes, materials and layout, the installation aims to evoke the essence of the ensemble.

Empty chairs highlight the absence of the musicians, but offer the audience an opportunity to sit and experience the work in a multimedia environment.

Wooden light-boxes, video panels and speakers are the ‘instruments’ of this beautifully crafted ensemble of objects – light and video visually underscoring Barry’s work as it plays on a loop from start to finish.

The video artwork for the LED panels is made specifically for Wingform. Inspired by the composer’s naturistic themes, the imagery on the panels evolves as the piece progresses.

As part of its 2022 national tour, Crash Ensemble will perform at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, on Thursday, 5th May. The programme will include a selection of its [REACTIONS] duos as well as a new work ‘Standing Water’ by Kevin Terry, winner of the NCH Jerome Hynes Young Composers’ Award and miniatures from our collection of [REACTIONS] Postcard Pieces.

This project was supported by an Arts Council Ireland Film Commission Award. Crash Ensemble is strategically funded by Arts Council Ireland.


Installation
Designed and produced by Jack Phelan
Fabrication by Hugh Roche Kelly
Additional fabrication by Robert Clarke

Musicians
Crash Ensemble
Barry O’Halpin (Solo Guitar)

Conductor
Ryan McAdams

Recording Edited, Mixed, Mastered and Produced by
Adrian Hart

Artwork Credit: Jack Phelan

The Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny is proudly funded by Donegal County Council and Arts Council Ireland.