New Music Dublin gives a voice to a broad range of musical creativity from our time by showcasing the work of international and Irish figures. It is a new partnership initiative of The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, The National Concert Hall, RTÉ Orchestras and the Contemporary Music Centre.

The 2013 Festival includes the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, directed by virtuoso trombonist Christian Lindberg in the world premiere of Kundraan and the Arctic Light; the RTÉ Concert Orchestra performing the Irish premieres of Arvo Pärt's Symphony No. 4 and Louis Andriessen's De Staat; Garth Knox bringing his ECM project Saltarello to Dublin; the serene voices of the Hilliard Ensemble paired with the haunting music of Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson; Crash Ensemble with European voices new to Ireland; Callino Quartet with a world premiere by Kevin Volans; late night events including A Winged Victory For The Sullen and more.

In addition to the programme of concerts taking place over the festival weekend, NMD has an busy schedule of workshops, master classes and other events: Contemporary Music Centre's New Music Marathon, in conjunction with TCD Music
Composition Centre, showcases the emerging voices of new music; a composition seminar with Austrian composer Johannes Maria Staud and the Fidelio Trio; a Raymond Deane focus including a new short film about the composer; 1:1 concerts where members of the public can get up close to individual musicians in micro-performances.