THE SUMMER Music in Galway International Festival of classical music, aimed at children and families as much as classical buffs, takes place from August 5 to 21 in NUI, Galway.
The festival will feature a concert and masterclass with the internationally renowned pianist John Perry, performances of works by Mozart and Strauss, and a major production of Benjamin Britten’s children’s opera Noah’s Flood.
John Perry
The festival begins next Thursday at 8pm in NUIG’s Aula Maxima with John Perry and ConTempo performing Schumann’s ‘Piano Quintet’. On Saturday 7 at 8pm, Mr Perry returns to the same venue to play Beethoven’s ‘Triple Concerto. Joining him will be David Stewart (violin ), Adrian Mantu (cello ), the SMS Chamber Orchestra, and Paul Ezergailis (conductor ).
Mr Perry is the professor of music at the University of Southern California. Many of his students have gone on to be prize winners in most major competitions, including two first-prize winners in the Rubinstein, four first-prize winners in the Music Teachers’ National Association national competition, and first-prize winners in the Naumburg National Chopin competition.
Piano students, of all ages and performance levels, participating in this Summer Music in Galway season will be able to attend Mr Perry’s masterclasses at NUIG from August 3 to 14.
Other concerts
On Monday 9 at 8pm in NUIG’s Bailey Allen Hall, there will be a performance of Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No1 from England’s Timothy Brown while the SMS Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s seventh symphony.
On Wednesday 11 at 8pm in the Aula Maxima pianist Mina Perry will perform Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E Flat Major.
The Canadian violinist David Stewart will perform Saint Saens’ ‘Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso’ while the SMS Orchestra will play movements from Greig’s Peer Gynt Suite and Dvorak’s Symphony No8 in G Major on Friday 13 in the Bailey Allen Hall.
The SMG 2010 Family Prom takes place in the Bailey Allen Hall on Saturday 14 at 2.30pm. The prom will feature a performance of Krzysztof Penderecki’s Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima.
On Monday 16 at 7.30pm (venue to be confirmed ) there will be a gala fundraising event for the festival, followed by a performance of talented young musicians in the Aula Maxima on Tuesday 17 at 8pm.
The festival comes to a close on Saturday 21 at 2.30pm in the Bailey Allen Hall with a performance of Saint Saens’ much loved Carnival Of The Animals by the SMS Orchestra, conducted by Bruce Dunn.
Seeking singers for Noah’s Flood
Noah’s Flood will be performed in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Thursday August 19 at 8pm. Singers between the ages of eight and 12 are still being sought to take part.
Rehearsals takes place each day from 9.30am to 12.30pm. No previous musical training or experience is necessary. The fee is €30. Those interested should contact Joanne on 086 - 3659660.
Tickets are €15/12 (a family ticket is €30 ). For more information e-mail [email protected], call 065 - 7087566, or see www.summermusicingalway.com
