NAVIGATOR Artist in Residence Paul Dunlea announced for An Grianán Theatre this June, 2025

IMC’s Navigator Jazz Residency programme was established in 2021. Since then 23 musicians have enjoyed bespoke residencies through venue partners Ballina Arts Centre, The Source Arts Centre Thurles, An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny, Riverbank Arts Centre Newbridge and Courthouse Arts Tinahely and Garter Lane, Waterford.

NAVIGATOR offers jazz and improvising musicians professionally remunerated time and space to develop and perform work, while building creative and professional relationships in new locations.

Cork trombonist/composer/arranger, Paul Dunlea is at home in a variety of musical styles, but concentrates primarily on jazz and improvisation. As one of Ireland's most in demand musicians, he has performed, toured and recorded with the likes of Michael Bublé, Cassandra Wilson, Frankie Valli, Liam O'Maonlaoi, Mick Flannery, RTE Concert Orchestra, The Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, The New Irish Jazz Orchestra and many more. He is a graduate of the CIT Cork School of music holding both a bachelor's degree in trombone performance and a masters degree in composition.

Ahead of his Navigator residency, Paul said:

"I'm delighted to be selected as IMC Navigator musician in residence at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny and very much looking forward to the time I will be spending there. I'm excited to connect and build relationships with local musicians and artists and be inspired by the locality. To have this dedicated time to delve further into my craft in such a beautiful place, away from life's competing priorities will allow me to explore compositional ideas as well as focus on my own playing and sound."

Patricia McBride, An Grianán Director said:

"We are delighted to welcome Paul Dunlea as our Navigator artist in residence this year. Paul's outstanding reputation as a player, composer and arranger is known nationally and internationally. It is a pleasure to have an artist of his calibre working here in Donegal for two weeks. He will be connecting with other musical artists based locally making new musical partnerships as well as sharing his skills and experience with the students of our Donegal Music Education Partnership. Paul's residency offers huge benefits to our Donegal music community and we hope that he can draw inspiration and creative energy from these new connections as well."

The NAVIGATOR residency programme is part of IMC's commitment to further develop the national scene for jazz and improvised music, improve artist touring mobility, develop audiences nationwide, and develop creative opportunities and fruitful new relationships for musicians.

Further NAVIGATOR artist residencies will be announced in due course.

Paul Dunlea: pauldunleamusic.com
IMC: improvisedmusic.ie
An Grianán: angrianan.com