Composer Donnacha Dennehy has woven influences from Irish traditional and popular styles into a rigorous post-minimalist framework, and in the 2010s his music has increasingly often been recorded and performed in both academic and public venues. He earned a degree in music from Trinity College, Dublin, then went on for studies abroad, opening himself to a notable variety of influences (and languages). He then founded Crash Ensemble, devoted to the performance of contemporary music. His mature compositions began to appear at about this time. Dennehy's commissions have come from many high-profile groups. What attracted them was a distinctively Irish blend that reflected Dennehy's urban background as well as his academic training and direct folk influences. ~ James Manheim