Strings Attached features three unique concerts marking the 20th anniversary of ConTempo Quartet becoming the Ensemble-in-Residence with Galway Music Residency. They will take place as part of Galway International Arts Festival on 18, 19 and 20 July bringing the best of jazz, classical and traditional music together. The concerts can be enjoyed as standalone events or consecutively for a rich musical journey.
Playing alongside ConTempo Quartet across the three evenings are renowned pianist, Finghin Collins; jazz wunderkind Matthew Berrill who leads an all-star octet including Róisín Mulliez, Aengus Hackett and Barry Donohue, and rising stars of Irish traditional arts, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta who together with ConTempo will perform a world premiere composition by Grammy award-winning composer Bill Whelan.
Renowned Galway-piper Pádraic Keane will also feature as part of this rich tapestry of tunes, airs and contemporary music inspired by the traditional.
Formed in 1995 in Bucharest, ConTempo Quartet is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today.
The quartet was chosen as Galway Music Residency’s Ensemble in Residence in 2003 and continues to captivate audiences throughout the city and county with its repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk and traditional music. For more see http://galwaymusicresidency.ie/newElements/conTempo.php
Acting Executive Director of Galway Music Residency, Robbie Blake said they are thrilled to present this celebratory concert series in honour of ConTempo Quartet and the immeasurable impact they have made over the past 20 years.
“We can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate than to hear their transcendent artistry over three nights on Galway’s most beautiful stages with some of the best musicians in the country all as part of Galway International Arts Festival.’
Everyone has the right to listen to, learn about and love music. This simple belief is the driving force behind everything Galway Music Residency aims to achieve. It exists to serve the people of Galway city and county, providing opportunities for all to experience music in new and unexpected ways, to learn from inspiring musicians and spark joy in their lives.
The unique long-term residency of ConTempo Quartet has allowed the organisation to develop long-lasting relationships with individuals, communities, artists and organisations, creating meaningful connections throughout Galway city and county.
The concerts take place over three nights on 18, 19 and 20 July in three separate venues; Emily Anderson Concert Hall (Quadrangle ) at University of Galway, Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church and An Taibhdhearc. The duration of each concert is approximately 1 hour and tickets priced €16 / €40 for all three are available online from Galway International Arts Festival at GIAF.ie
Galway Music Residency would like to acknowledge the support of the Arts Council, Galway City and County Councils and its Education Partner, University of Galway.
The three concerts:
JazzTempo + ConTempo Quartet
Tuesday July 18, 6pm
An Taibhdhearc, Galway
Delve into the captivating fusion of jazz standards and classical strings led by wunderkind Matthew Berrill. This intimate concert features an all-star octet, including Róisín Mulliez, Aengus Hackett and Barry Donohue that will ignite your senses intertwining genres to captivate all musical tastes.
Bill Whelan World Premiere with ConTempo Quartet
Wednesday July 19, 6pm
Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, Galway
Grammy award-winning composer Bill Whelan treats classical and traditional worlds as equals in his world premiere composition performed by ConTempo Quartet and rising stars of Irish traditional arts, siblings Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta. Alongside this premiere, this atmospheric concert weaves a rich tapestry of tunes, airs and contemporary music inspired by the traditional, and features renowned Galway-piper Pádraic Keane.
Finghin Collins + ConTempo Quartet Thursday July 20, 6pm.
Emily Anderson Concert Hall (Quadrangle ), University of Galway
Internationally renowned pianist Finghin Collins joins ConTempo Quartet for an evening of music including the profound Piano Quintet by Johannes Brahms. Supported by Music for Galway and the University of Galway, this final event takes place in the prestigious Emily Anderson Concert Hall (Quadrangle ), where the ambient surroundings amplify the magic of this unforgettable musical encounter.
