The late Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson was a singular talent, as celebrated for his theatre and film scores (including Arrival and Sicario) as for his orchestral work, and Drone Mass is his defining work.

Despite the name, Drone Mass isn’t really a mass. It’s a mysterious and richly textured work inspired by an ancient Egyptian Coptic hymn. For its Irish premiere performance, Kilkenny Arts Festival brings together Crash Ensemble, Chamber Choir Ireland, and multiple-Grammy-winning Paul Hillier, who conducted the recording of Drone Mass for Deutsche Grammophon in 2022.

Weaving voices, strings, and electronics into a mesmerising soundscape that bears comparison with the work of minimalist greats like Arvo Pärt and Henryk Górecki, Drone Mass is the thrilling debut Irish performance of a great composer’s crowning achievement.

Please note that latecomers will not be admitted to this event.

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