Dublin Guitar Quartet

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The Dublin Guitar Quartet is an Irish music group that specialises in the performance of contemporary classical music, particularly music associated with minimalist composers such as Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Arvo Part. ^[1]

The groups core repertoire consists of transcriptions of works by these composers along with original compositions by Leo Brouwer, Kevin Volans and others. The group also regularly perform music especially written for them by Irish composers including Derek Ball, Donnacha Dennehy, Andrew Hamilton, Eric Sweeney, group member Brian Bolger and former member David Flynn.^[2]

The group formed in 2002 while founder members Brian Bolger, Patrick Brunnock, David Flynn and Redmond O'Toole were all studying at the Dublin Institute of Technology College of Music. All members were students of John Feeley at this time.

Flynn left the group in 2004 to pursue a solo career and O'Toole left approximately a year later for the same reason. Bolger and Brunnock have continued with the group and various other guitarists have joined them including Cian O'Hara who is now a permanent member of the group.

The Dublin Guitar Quartet have received much acclaim for bringing contemporary classical music to new audiences, they are as in demand at classical music events as they are at rock music events and have developed their act to include electric guitars as well as classical guitars. They have appeared on Irish national television^[3] and radio and performed at international classical guitar festivals and rock music festivals.

The quartet released their acclaimed debut album Deleted Pieces in 2005 on Greyslate Records. The are currently recording two albums for release in the coming year. ^[4]

The quartet are honored to be taking part in a special Philip Glass concert. The Louth Contemporary Music Society concert will include a rare solo performance by Philip Glass of his Etudes. This concert will take place on the 17th July 2008 at 8pm in St. Patrick's, Dundalk. The Dublin Guitar Quartet will perform arrangements of Glass's string quartets Mishima and Company with the composer present. Details are as follows: St Patrick’s Dundalk 17 July 2008. Tickets 30 euros Telephone Bookings only: ROI: 0818 205 205; UK 0870 850 2896. Full online bookings available from 4 June 2008 www.centralticketbureau.com ^[5]

Brian Bolger is the brother of Matthew Bolger from the rock group The Redneck Manifesto and the Dublin Guitar Quartet have supported the Redneck Manifesto and made arrangements of some of their music. ^[6]