Bass clarinettist, Deirdre O’Leary, and percussionist, Alex Petcu came together in 2021 to create programmes of funky rhythms and wildly beautiful sounds, full of eccentricity and wit. A new duo with big plans, Alex and Deirdre have played together for many years in Crash Ensemble and other groups. They share a dynamic energy and a passion for innovative performances.

An Irish musician of Romanian origin, Alex Petcu has quickly established himself both nationally and internationally as a percussionist of the finest calibre. His recent appearances as a soloist with both RTÉ orchestras and Irish Chamber Orchestra are some of his main highlights so far.

An active freelance musician, Alex performs with a wide variety of ensembles and in a range of settings including the Crash and Hard Rain Ensembles, Bangers and Crash Percussion, the professional orchestras in Ireland, as a soloist at various festivals, as a theatre musician and much more.

His debut album, Alex Petcu: In Time has recently been released on the RTÉ Lyric FM label.

Clarinet and bass clarinettist, Deirdre O’Leary is best known for her energy on stage and her sensitivity as a chamber and orchestral musician. She was a member of Crash Ensemble from 2003 to 2022, touring internationally and recording. She was a founding member of Prey Trio, touring, commissioning, arranging and devising with them, and subsequently cofounded Cassiopeia Wind Quintet in 2010 with whom she has played many international chamber music festivals and toured Ireland. She has also toured internationally and recorded with Berlin-based s t a r g a z e, and has performed, filmed and recorded two albums with the medieval jazz group Anakronos. She plays regularly with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the Irish National Opera orchestra and is working on an ongoing project for the outreach dept. of the National Concert Hall.

“…a very dynamic performance of a truly unique duo, full of energy & passion. They created some superb magical & mystical soundscapes.”

“What a wonderful concert!

Extraordinary that just two musicians could cover such a wealth of human experience.”

Wildwood will host a Graphic Notation Workshop at 6pm on Friday 7 March. Workshop attendees can avail of a complimentary ticket to the live performance.