About Evlana
Evlana is a flexible group with programmes ranging from smaller ensemble groups to a sinfonietta sized orchestra. It was founded by composer, Siobhán Cleary in 2015. Evlana places contemporary music at the heart of its programming and provides an opportunity for Ireland’s most accomplished performers and composers to produce and perform their work.
Evlana prioritises music of our time but also engages with works from the early 20th Century, occasionally delving into the repertoire of previous centuries with a particular focus towards neglected works and lesser-known composers alongside audience favourites.
Commissioning new works by Irish and international composers is integral to the objectives of the sinfonietta as well as providing opportunities for repeat performances of recently composed works. Gender balanced programming is a core policy of Evlana and we have committed to commissioning new works at a 50:50 ratio.
Evlana was awarded Arts Council Project Funding in 2015 for an inaugural concert at the University Church Dublin on Sept 29th. This concert was broadcast on Lyric FM over 4 weeks in November in 2015. The concert featured several pieces which were performed in Ireland for the first time including Changing Light by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s, a haunting dialogue for soprano and flute, Claude Vivier’s shimmering Zipangu for string orchestra and Swedish composer Karin Rehnqvist’s Taromirs Tid. Two other works on the programme explored the dynamic between the soprano and string orchestra: Benjamin Britten’s monumental setting of poet Rimbaud’s Les Illuminations and a world premiere Her Kind by Siobhán Cleary, a setting of the Anne Sexton poem.
A Chamber Ensemble concert was held at the National Gallery of Ireland in November 2018 featuring music by Tailleferre, Lili Boulanger, Messiaen, Saariaho and Takemitsu and the Irish premiere of Siobhán Cleary’s Ondine. Parts of this concert were broadcast on Lyric Fm’s Sound Out in Dec 2018. Cleary’s Ondine has since featured regularly on Blue of the Night programme.
In 2021, Evlana featured in three concerts at the New Music Dublin Festival which included works by Judith Ring, Donnacha Dennehy, Amanda Feery, Gráinne Mulvey, Ian Wilson, Linda Buckley, Elaine Agnew, Deirdre McKay, Raymond Deane, John Buckley and two World Premieres of new commissioned work by Jane Deasy and John McLachlan.
In 2021 Evlana were awarded a Capacity Building Scheme Award fund to engage a manager, establish a dedicated website and to develop governing strategies and structures.