Katherine Hunka
Pass The Hat [2023]

Performed by the Solas Quartet
Triskel Arts Centre, Cork, 20th January 2024

I wrote Pass The Hat in September 2023 for the Solas Quartet. I wanted to compose something that was energising and entertaining and not without its challenges. This short piece is about the power dynamics within any group. The hat, which appears to have a life of its own, insists on perilous virtuoso solos when worn. It is not quite clear whether the hat is something to be coveted or feared. Katherine Hunka

Return to NSQF Irish Quartet Archive

Born in London, Katherine Hunka has been the leader of the Irish Chamber Orchestra since 2002 and regularly directs from the leader’s chair. She has toured extensively with the orchestra as soloist and director and in 2020 her solo album with the ICO of Piazzolla and Schubert received glowing reviews. As a guest leader she has visited the Manchester Camerata, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Northern Sinfonia.

Katherine plays a lot of chamber music and is Artistic Director of the Killaloe Music Festival which sees international artists gather in her home village each June. Katherine enjoys performing many styles of music. Her group “The Far Flung Trio” with accordionist Dermot Dunne and bassist Malachy Robinson play across Ireland and the UK, music from Bach to Klezmer. In 2024 they will tour Ireland and the UK to celebrate ten years together. 

She is a Lecturer at the MTU Cork School of Music and Artistic Director of ConCorda, a course for young chamber musicians.