The Future of Music in the Digital World: A Contemporary Music Centre Conference, Friday 11 June 2010, Dublin Castle

With access to music now just a click away, very few of the tried and tested ways of accessing music remain unchanged. Can we, or should we, attempt to predict the future? Have we even begun to deal with the present yet?

This major conference brings together high-level international speakers to explore and debate issues around the meaning of digital culture: how it impacts on the creator and the performer; and the implications for copyright in a world which has come to expect music to be free.

The Conference will be officially opened by Mary Hanafin, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin, on Friday, 11 June 2010.

The Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) is inviting creative artists and organisations engaged in any area of composition, performance, publishing or distribution across all forms of music in Ireland to join the debate in the Coach House, Dublin Castle, on 11 June.

Keynote speakers for the event include:

  • Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mary Hanafin TD, performs the official opening
  • Traditional musician and composer Prof Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin of the University of Limerick and the CMC Board will give the keynote address
  • MediaFuturist, Musician and Author Gerd Leonhard (Switzerland) described by the Wall Street Journal as ‘one of the leading Media Futurists in the World’
  • Andrew Dubber (New Zealand), Reader in Music Industries Innovation at Birmingham City University and founder of MusicThinkTank.com and MusicAsCulture.org
  • Composer Bill Whelan (Ireland), best known for his award-winning music for the show Riverdance and films such as Some Mother’s Son and Dancing at Lughnasa

Culture Ireland will host a delegate networking event, with address by Chief Executive Eugene Downes.Other events include a panel discussion on ‘The Future of Music in Ireland’ and a lunchtime concert by Irish jazz group Métier.

Eve O’Kelly, director of the Contemporary Music Centre, said: ‘Now that we all access music online and listen to it on the move, the music business has changed radically. Anyone who writes or plays music, or works in music management or publishing in this country, needs to rethink how they connect with their audience. After all, music is one of Ireland’s most successful exports into the global market.’

Registration [including buffet lunch, refreshments and wine reception] is €50 [concessions €35 for seniors, students and unwaged]. 

Further information and registration at www.cmc.ie/future-of-music