Acclaimed new music collective Decibel, the University of Ulster’s Ensemble-in-Residence, will present a programme of performances, workshops and outreach events at Magee next week.Formed in 2002 by Northern Irish composer Ed Bennett this group of performers and composers are renowned for their exciting live performances and the diversity of their musical influences.  Their concerts combine live instrumental ensemble music with electronics and live video mixing.

As part of their residency, three members of the group will present two public concerts at the University of Ulster next week.The first will take place in the Great Hall at Magee on Tuesday 2 March. This lunchtime programme will feature acoustic contemporary music for piano, saxophone and percussion by composers such as Louis Andriessen, Joe Cutler and Ed Bennett.

The second concert, an evening of acoustic and electronic music, will take place in Void Gallery, Patrick Street, Derry at 8pm on Thursday 4  March.  The evening will also feature collaborations with DEME, the School of Creative Arts’ interdisciplinary performance collective.Working alongside Ulster music students, the musicians will also deliver a programme of workshops in local schools.

Adam Melvin, lecturer in Music said: “One very positive benefit of having an Ensemble-in-Residence is that it creates an opportunity for the visiting artists to engage more significantly with their audiences and other musicians in the area. “We are delighted that Decibel and their director Ed Bennett will be sharing their expertise and creativity, not just with our own students, but also with music students from St Cecilia’s and Moville Community College and we hope that their workshops and performances will inspire other young musicians in the city to embrace new creative ideas.” 

For further information on Decibel’s Residency at the Magee campus, including ticket prices and programme information, please contact the Cultural Development Department on: 028 7137 5658 or n.pearce@ulster.ac.uk