Plainchant, medieval song, baroque cello, early brass and harpsichord – a feast of beautiful old music will float across the city as events take place at The 20th Galway Early Music Festival, from May 14-17.
Choristers and singers of the St Nicholas Schola Cantorum directed by Andrew Lawrence-King present an extraordinary spectacle of monastic ‘playtime’ in a 12th century telling of the biblical story of Daniel.
Legendary medieval music expert Benjamin Bagby brings his ensemble Sequentia to Galway with their haunting programme of Christian and pagan apocalyptic visions.
Aoife Nic Athlaoich and Yonit Kosovske end the Music for Galway Cellissimo series with works by Geminiani, Telemann and Tiemer in their festival lunchtime concert The Cello Goes Baroque.
Well-known international trombonist John Kenny brings the sound of early brass with his sackbut trio, Pandora’s Box, performing music from medieval chant to contemporary compositions.
Ending the festival, the Alphabet Baroque Club of San Francisco, find themselves in a Time Warp with pieces in unusual meters, pieces in multiple meters played simultaneously, songs about time and a satire with bears and monkeys, in a light-hearted programme of seriously beautiful music.
And don’t miss Moonfish Theatre’s family show Thrice Upon a Time.
Festival hub, The Connacht Tribune former printworks, hosts exhibitions and free events over the weekend, including early Irish horns, renaissance dance and memorabilia of 20 years of Galway Early Music, including a wall of photos!
Details and tickets online at www.galwayearlymusic.com, in Charlie Byrnes and at the door. Great special 3-concert ticket – any three concerts you choose! Brochures around town.
