
BAN BAM at New Music Dublin
Launched in 2020 to support and highlight the work of female and gender diverse composers in jazz and improvised music in Ireland, BAN BAM is a commissioning and development award from Improvised Music Company. The 2025 recipients, composers Joanna Mattrey and Christine Tobin, are celebrated on this programme, which comprises world premieres of their new works.
With themes of conflict, loss of home and cultural identity, Joanna Mattrey’s Battle Ready II asks that the performers play for those who have no voice. The work includes composition, improvisation, spoken text and video, and features a central quartet of saxophone, violin, viola and synths. Joanna Mattrey performs alongside Nick Roth, Larissa O’Grady and Simon Jermyn, drawing on their fluency in improvisation and notated music, while oscillating between coordinated written events and sweeping improvised textures and gestures to create a powerful live experience.
Christine Tobin’s new work Pseudologia Fantastica explores themes of disinformation, and the misappropriation of new technologies and information networks to spread lies that destroy democratic conversation, undermining our perceptions of the world. In the history of communication, we have never been so connected—yet we often find ourselves divided, mistrustful and weighed down by dark uncertainty about the future. Presented by Christine Tobin with accompaniment by cellist Kate Shortt, the piece includes spoken word and song.
The Complex provides guests with assisted access. 24 hours notice is appreciated.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
A ramp entrance to our venue hire and performance space at The Depot, which is located at St Mary’s Abbey.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide Dogs are permitted and welcomed in The Gallery and The Depot. Please inform the FOH team if you will be accompanied by a Guide Dog.
If you would like additional information or assistance on your visit. Please contact our Front of House Team: simon@thecomplex.ie or call 01 537 8352
By car:
The closest car parks are Jervis Shopping Centre car park, 23 Jervis St, North City, Dublin, D01 TH72
12 St Michan's St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 NRC6
Other on street parking available in the vicinity, free after 7pm.
Public Transport:
From Heuston Station get a 145 bus to Ormonde Quay or the Red Luas tram line to Four Courts Luas stop and 4 min walk
From Connolly Station: get a Red Line luas to the Jervis Luas stop and 4 min walk
More About this Artist
Joanna Mattrey is a violist and composer working in free improvisation, new music, and classical music. She uses extended techniques, modern compositional approaches, and electronic alterations to challenge the conventions of the viola. Joanna creates an embodied performance practice centred on ceremony and ritual.
Christine Tobin is Dublin-born vocalist and composer, who has been an integral part of the Irish, London and New York City jazz scenes for many years. She returned to Ireland in 2020 and is now based in Co. Roscommon. Her authentic sound has been described by The Guardian as “Tobin’s 24-carat voice” while praising her for both the poetry of her compositions, and the warmth of her golden voice. Her style, although rooted in jazz, is eclectic and draws on a broad range of influences