Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 5:00pm

Hilltown New Music Fesitval

The people behind Hilltown New Music Festival have organised an exciting line up of Irish and international artists once again for lovers of new music in the grounds of Hilltown House in Castlepollard on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1.

A series of eight concerts with artists from Ireland, Germany, Spain, and elsewhere will take place over the two day festival alongside improvisations, film screenings and audio-visual installations.

Jennifer Walshe has been described by the Irish Times as 'the most original compositional voice to emerge from Ireland in the last 20 years' and she comes to the Hilltown Festival for the first time, performing on both days. Walshe's past work includes an opera for Barbie dolls. She has performed all over the world. Renowned German musician Barbara Lüneburg returns to Hilltown with her haunting violin and viola and improvises with Jennifer Walshe, and sound artists Anthony Kelly and David Stalling, before closing Saturday's performances with a concert featuring a specially commissioned new work by Kelly and Stalling.

Roberto Oliveira from Galicia in Spain is another newcomer to Hilltown. He is a versatile percussionist of contemporary music and has performed with leading Irish ensembles and orchestras, such as the Crash Ensemble and the RTE National Symphony Orchestra.

Many other composers, musicians and artists are involved in the exciting programme with details on www.hilltown.ie. Hilltown House is signposted from Oldcastle and Castlepollard and guesthouse accommodation and camping are available nearby. Bring along a picnic or sample the homemade delights of the local café which will set up shop on the grounds. There will be ample parking available. Children are very welcome with free admission on the Sunday.

For tickets, €15 for a one day ticket and €25 for a festival pass, book online at www.hilltown.ie. A small number of tickets will be available on the day.