Messenger was born from Ian Wilson’s Messenger Concerto commissioned by Camerata Pacifica for our Principal Violinist, Catherine Leonard.

Engagement ... cultural, social, political ... a unique confluence of geography, history and artistry that embodied a country's coming of age. Born in the United States of one country's diaspora, the Messenger Project became a symbol of hope for many cultures. 21st century Ireland — a peaceful country of confidence, cultural sophistication and international vibrancy —found a metaphor in this music.

Catherine Leonard had introduced me to the music of Ian Wilson, and in January 2006 I found myself again listening to her performance of his 1st Violin Concerto Messenger,” with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. I had already commissioned a composition from Ian, and now I wanted more people to hear this powerful work. With Catherine's enthusiastic endorsement, I telephoned Ian and the “Messenger” Project was born: Three commissions — The Messenger Concerto for Violin and Chamber Ensemble, (premiered May 2007, Santa Barbara, CA), “Heft” for Flute and Piano, (premiered January 2008, Santa Barbara, CA), and a work upon a Heaney sonnet for soprano, flute, oboe, violin, viola, cello & piano.

The project became demonstrative of the power of classical music, and its capacity for engagement, inclusion and creation of community. Generating its own energy, it evolved as people and institutions gathered around the music and recognized it as a symbol of their personal experience.

Early in its development I had a transformative cup of tea with Mr. Tim O'Connor, then the Irish Consul General in New York. Tim coined the phrase “music as the medium of engagement,” and opened my eyes to the infectious excitement of the 21st century Irish, (and Northern Irish), hope and optimism energizing Irish communities around the world. Around this time, representatives from Culture Ireland suggested a tour, and Tourism Ireland embraced the sponsorship opportunity — vital leadership, demonstrating the ability to advance both artistic and business interests symbiotically and simultaneously.

Tim's introductions to the Irish & British Consuls General in California, Émer Deane & Bob Peirce, led to further support and introductions. Niall Burgess, the current Consul General of Ireland in New York also proved to be a great friend and counsel. Back home Philip Hammond’s advice and direction was vital to the project’s inception, and Mark Finlay facilitated our Belfast performance.In New York, Paul Keary was boundlessly generous with time and resources, driving the project forward. A ripple of interest turned into a wave that continues to develop today.

I recall meetings with Mr. Edwin Poots, Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure for the new Northern Ireland Assembly. Those meetings were held in the Parliament Buildings in Belfast and walking those halls I was aware of being part of a new Northern Ireland. I had a happy childhood growing up in 1970’s Northern Ireland, but as my studies took me from the country I realized the oppressive pall that lay upon it, and behind me. Immersed in my work it wasn’t until 2006 that I truly looked back, guided by the music of a Belfast composer and a Cork violinist. From the dark clouds of the late 20th century, this tiny country, these tiny countries of our birth emerged beaming with well-earned pride and an eagerness to grasp every opportunity to be afforded by the sunlit 21st century.

The Messenger Concerto was premiered in May 2007 with 5 performances in Camerata Pacifica’s resident cities. On April 22nd, 2008 The Messenger Project took to the road. The launch was a Gala performance at The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, where attendance exceeded an enthusiastic 2,000. At the dinner following representatives of the British and Irish governments joined a variety of corporate agencies from those countries, and the United States, in celebration of classical music. The following day the ensemble left for performances at The Library of Congress, Washington DC, New York’s Morgan Library and Museum, The Wigmore Hall in London, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, The Guildhall in Derry, concluding at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast.

Across borders, across oceans, The Messenger Project came to symbolize 21st Century Ireland, and its unique relationship with the United States.

“It was a celebration of 10 years since the Good Friday Agreement, it was the fulfilment of lofty mission statements, and it was a powerful assertion of the relevance of contemporary composition.” The Irish Times

“Both innovative and intrepid — a very serious group of fine artists — in which instinctive ensemble-playing was allied to judicious instrumental balance and sharp musical characterisation.” The Daily Telegraph, London