Beside the Sea is an ambitious and innovative work of music theatre by composer Ian Wilson for violinist, soundtrack and found objects that explores ideas around memory, personhood and how to evoke a life and its trajectory through music. Wilson wanted to make this piece since his father died four years ago after a long battle with Alzheimer’s; the goal is a work of art which examines how much of a role memory has in making a person and what part music can also have in that. Featuring violinist Dušica Mladenović, director Olivia Songer and designer Jack Scullion, Beside the Sea is a universal and uplifting story of changing minds and bodies, of ageing, using elements of Wilson’s father’s life as found objects around which the narrative has been built. The work’s title is multi-faceted and ambivalent, referencing musical, physical, temporal, and cognitive domains. 

Concept & music Ian Wilson

Soundtrack element in collaboration with Steve McCourt

Violinist Dušica Mladenović

Director Olivia Songer

Design Jack Scullion

Funded by an Arts Council of Ireland Music Project Award and Supported by Kildare County Council Arts Service and HSE Health Promotion & Improvement