Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble perform works by our local composers in a concert supported by PRSf. The concert features a world premiere from Piers Hellawell and a previous commission from Dr. Simon Mawhinney, both of which were funded by ACNI Small Grants. Also funded by ACNI Small Grants is a new work by Belfast composer Ian Wilson, while new commissions from doctoral student Chris McCann and from composer Chris McAteer have been supported through the PRSF Talent Development Partnership. In addition to these exciting new premieres we include two works that emerged in our 3rd Peter Rosser Composition Award, by finalist Anselm McDonnell and First Prize winner Omar Zatriqi. A new work for solo flute, by one of the HRSE players themselves, David McCann, is performed by his colleague Aisling Agnew. Finally, we continue the showcasing of works by our 2018/19 Featured Composer, Jane O’Leary, with a premiere of her Preludes for solo piano.

The Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble is the only professional ensemble in NI to specialise in the performance of modern and contemporary repertoire. HRSE is proud to be Ensemble in Residence in the School of Arts, English and Languages at QUB and continues its role as an Industry Professional organisation within the university.