Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music - Extending Traditions
			Extending Traditions World Premiere of the Newly Commissioned Work "An Indigo Sky" composed by Neil Martin to be performed by the West Ocean String Quartet in Crusheen Church, Co. Clare in February 2009 The Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music was initially run as a pilot project with a view to developing it as an annual event following review and evaluation. It incorporates three days of master classes with performance and reflection on traditional music, song and dance. It provides an integrated approach to the traditional arts, which is very accessible and of an exceptionally high calibre. From the beginning Joseph’s musical life has been the guide which the committee have followed. In 2008 as an extension of the very successful first event in February 2008, it was decided to incorporate Joseph’s love for linking Irish traditional and classical music into the school and 'Bridging Traditions' was born and proved to be extremely successful. The Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music is now in its third year. Based on the success of 'Bridging Traditions' and focusing on the composer in Joseph, the school decided to commission a new suite of music, which would reflect Joseph's life and music as well as his skill as a composer of traditional music. This suite, called 'An Indigo Sky', was composed by Neil Martin in late 2008 and incorporates one of Joseph's compositions. It will be performed by the 'West Ocean String Quartet' whose members are a mingling of the classical and traditional music fields with a number of them active in both, ie Neil Martin and Seamus McGuire. The performance of this new suite of music will present the highest standards of music and musicians in an innovative setting within a traditional music environment. The Suite will be performed in Crusheen Church, Co. Clare on Saturday 21st of February 2009. As part of 'Extending Traditions' a special master class will take place on Saturday Afternoon the 21st of February with the West Ocean String Quartet. (See Master Classes)