ECM 2026 :Jordina Millà & Barry Guy

Jordina Millà, piano
Barry Guy, double bass

Open to all kinds of new music drawn from jazz, European folk forms and contemporary classical ideas, NCH celebrates the trailblazing independent German label, ECM.

Swirling and undulating improvisations of piano and double bass, the duo of Catalan pianist Jordina Millà and British bassist Barry Guy shape fluid, highly detailed music, of ever-changing mood, and cast fresh light on the meaning and possibilities of “extended technique” in free improvisation. 

After studying classical and contemporary music in Rotterdam and Paris and playing in diverse chamber groups, Jordina Millà was guided towards the improvisers’ world by Agustì Fernandez, éminence grise of the Spanish free scene, who has been a mentor and a supporter of her work. 

Barry Guy has been at the forefront of creative music for more than 50 years. One of the so-called “first generation” of UK improvisers who established the language of free playing in Britain in the late 1960s, he has been active across the idioms in many roles – as soloist, chamber musician and composer. He founded the London Jazz Composer’s Orchestra, Barry Guy New Orchestra and more recently the Blue Shroud Band. He has also held principal bass positions in various orchestras including City of London Sinfonia, Monteverdi Orchestra, The Academy of Ancient Music and The London Classical Players. Barry Guy continues to give solo recitals throughout Europe as well as continuing associations with colleagues involved in improvised, baroque and contemporary music.

Presented by NCH

NCH presents this special series as part of the Cultural Programme for Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.