The Irish composer John Kinsella left a career in music administration to devote himself fully to composition. Since 1988, when he moved from a style based on serialism to one of more expressive appeal, he has proved prolific as a composer.

Orchestral Music

Kinsella’s orchestral music includes eight symphonies, two violin concertos and a Cello Concerto. Something of the character of his works may be gathered from their title. His Symphony No. 3 ‘Joie de Vivre’ is an expression of his own pleasure in life and his gratitutde to his parents, while Symphony No. 4 ‘The Four Provinces’ takes its title from the four provinces of Ireland (Munster, Connacht, Ulster and Leinster) and its inspiration from their varied historical and geographical features.