PREMIERES OF new music, Handel’s Messiah, and the revolutionary sounds of Debussy, Schoenberg, and Stravinsky all form part of Music For Galway’s 33rd concert programme series.
The new season was launched on Monday night by MFG’s new artistic director, international concert pianist Finghin Collins, at The Shed in Galway Docks.
The programme will see Korean pianist Ah Ruem Ahn perform a new solo piece written by Mr Collins’ predecessor, Jane O’Leary, on November 14. The piece was commissioned by MFG in honour of Ms O’Leary’s years as artistic director.
There will also be the Irish premiere of ‘The Little Spanish Prison’ by David Cohen and Sasha Grynyuk and performed by Ian Wilson on October 30. Both composers will be present to introduce their works on the night.
Handel’s Messiah will be performed in 18th century costume by the IBO and Resurgam choir in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, while Donizetti’s opera L’Elisir d’Amore will be staged by Opera Theatre Company. There will also be a recital of popular classical pieces by pianist John O’Conor.
January’s Midwinter Festival will focus on the period from 1893 to 1913, when the composition of music took off in all kinds of dramatic directions, rule-books were torn up and new musical languages and sound-worlds assailed our concert halls and salons. Expect to hear work by Debussy, Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Brahms, Fauré, and Vaughan Williams.
There will also be a competition with students and recent graduates of the Centre for Creative Arts and Media of the GMIT, culminating in an exhibition of works in response to the theme and music programme of the festival.
In April Music for Galway will return to The Shed presenting a concert featuring the ConTempo Quartet and Crash Ensemble entitled Heat up to Cool Music. Audiences will be encouraged to bring blankets while the organisers promise exciting music and hot drinks.
MFG has also overhauled its donor scheme and is inviting Galwegians to become friends of the organisation. Benefits include reduced ticket prices to all the concerts in the season.
For more information contact 091 - 705962 or see www.musicforgalway.ie
