Founded in 2006 by Eamonn Quinn and Gemma Murray, the Louth Contemporary Music Society (LCMS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing world-renowned contemporary musicians, composers, and performers to Co. Louth. The 2025 festival, titled “Echoes,” promises to be another landmark event in the society’s 11-year history.
The festival will take place on June 13-14, 2025, at various venues throughout Dundalk, showcasing a range of musical styles and genres. One of the highlights of the festival will be the performance of Bernhard Lang’s “The Cold Trip Part 1” by the Aleph Guitar Quartet and American singer Daisy Press at An Táin Arts Centre. This reimagining of Schubert’s “Winterreise” sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend of music and discovery.
- Chopin Études (1pm)
- Bernhard Lang’s Monadologie series at St. Nicholas’ Church of Ireland
- Belgian pianist Daan Vandewalle presents a unique interpretation of Chopin’s Études through repetition and variation
On Saturday, June 14, the festival offers a full day of musical exploration, featuring a range of performances and collaborations. Some highlights include:
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- Moon on the Sea (3pm)
- Performed by Daisy Press and Aleph Guitar Quartet in the Chapel at St. Vincent’s Secondary School
- Czech composer Martin Smolka’s ethereal settings of Basho’s poetry alongside a new composition
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- Nico and John Cale’s The Marble Index (5pm)
- Apartment House with Francesca Fargion reinterpret the 1968 album
- Blasting electric and medieval sounds in a dynamic live performance
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- Songs of the Soul (8pm)
- The festival closes at St. Nicholas’ Church of Ireland
- Performed by Chamber Choir Ireland under Nils Schweckendiek
- Contemporary choral works from Irish composer Kevin Volans and the world premiere of a new work from Canadian composer Sarah Davachi
The festival’s theme, “Echoes,” explores how repetition can bring both comfort and unease, sparking reflection on the resonance of the past in the present. The festival promises to be a remarkable gathering of some of the world’s best contemporary musicians, and LCMS invites both seasoned festivalgoers and newcomers to join them for a weekend of boundary-pushing performances.
“Echoes explores how repetition can be both hypnotic and unsettling, a theme woven throughout this year’s festival,” says Eamonn Quinn, founder of LCMS. “We’re excited to welcome extraordinary musicians to Dundalk, many for the first time, and present performances that challenge and inspire.”
LCMS has made its mark in recorded music, with its release “Folks’ Music” named one of The New Yorker’s Notable Classical Recordings of 2023. The society has also been recognized for its innovative approach to programming, with the release of David Lang’s “just (after song of songs)” in Paolo Sorrentino’s film “Youth” and a sample by The xx.
| Festival Highlights | Performers | Venues |
|---|---|---|
| Chopin Études (1pm) | Daan Vandewalle | St. Nicholas’ Church of Ireland |
| Moon on the Sea (3pm) | Daisy Press and Aleph Guitar Quartet | Chapel at St. Vincent’s Secondary School |
| Nico and John Cale’s The Marble Index (5pm) | Apartment House with Francesca Fargion | The Spirit Store |
| Songs of the Soul (8pm) | Chamber Choir Ireland under Nils Schweckendiek | St. Nicholas’ Church of Ireland |
The festival’s ticket prices are designed to be affordable, making it accessible to a broader audience and encouraging those new to contemporary music to experience the genre. With its unique blend of established and emerging artists, Echoes 2025 promises to be a weekend to remember for music lovers of all ages.
“We’re committed to keeping ticket prices affordable, making the festival accessible to a broader audience and encouraging those new to contemporary music to experience the genre,” says Eamonn Quinn.
