This special performance takes place on Sunday, September 21, at 5.00pm, in St Joseph’s Church, Clifden.
The festival, in Connemara’s capitol, runs from September 17 to 28.
Bringing together two of the west of Ireland’s most respected choirs – Cantairí Chonamara and Cór Mhaigh Eo – this landmark event fuses the grandeur of Baroque counterpoint with the rhythmic vitality and improvisation of jazz. The result is music that honours tradition while sounding boldly contemporary.
Loussier, renowned for his Play Bach recordings, described Lumières as a work to “exalt the spirit” and connect across beliefs. His setting of the Latin Mass blends classical voices with rock rhythms, modern harmonies and inventive instrumental textures, creating a deeply moving soundscape.
The performance will be conducted by Máire Ní Dhuibhir, Musical Director of Cantairí Chonamara, with a distinguished ensemble of soloists and instrumentalists. This marks the first time Lumières will be performed in Ireland, and promises to be a moment of genuine cultural significance.
“We are honoured to present the Irish première of Lumières,” says festival director Desmond Lally. “It’s a work that captures what our festival is about: respecting tradition while embracing the new. Hearing these two choirs together will be a rare and powerful experience.”
Founded in 1999, Cantairí Chonamara has earned a reputation for versatility and excellence, performing everything from early sacred music to contemporary choral works. Their collaboration with Cór Mhaigh Eo reflects the Clifden Arts Festival 2025 theme, The Journey – Through Time, Memory & Imagination, offering audiences a performance of both historical resonance and modern creativity.
For the full festival programme, visit www.clifdenartsfestival.ie
