“THOUGH EVERYTHING else may appear shallow and repulsive, even the smallest task in music is so absorbing, and carries us so far away from town, country, earth, and all worldly things, that it is truly a blessed gift of God.”
So said the great German composer, conductor, and pianist Felix Mendelssohn. Music is a great blessing for the mind, body, and soul, and Music For Galway has lined up a real ‘blessings’ for music enthusiasts next week.
Music For Galway’s 2011 begins with the annual January mini-festival. This year’s event is called Amongst Friends and it takes place in the Town Hall Theatre from Friday January 21 to Sunday 23.
Performing at the festival will be the acclaimed Irish pianist Barry Douglas, Romanian cellist Eugen Mantu (brother of ConTempo cellist Adrian Mantu ), and the ConTempo Quartet.
The first concert takes place on Friday 21 at 8pm with Brahms’ String Quartet in C Minor; Schubert’s ‘Impromptus D 889; and Dvorák’s Piano Quintet in 2 in A minor. On Saturday at 8pm the concert will feature Dvorák’s String Quartet in F major; Brahms’ Op 116 for solo piano and his Piano Quintet in F minor. Sunday’s concert starts at 3pm and will feature Mendelssohn’s Capriccio in E minor; Bach’s Cello Suite No 1 in G major; and Schubert’s String Quartet in C major.
Barry Douglas will also give a piano masterclass on Saturday January 22.
Tickets are available from Music for Galway (091 - 705962, [email protected] ); Opus II, the Cornstore; or www.tht.ie
