THE RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and RTÉ ConTempo Quartet will join forces at the 2015 Galway International Arts Festival for what promises to be a first class series of classical music concerts.
The orchestra and ConTempo will play five concerts over three days, with a line-up including conductor John Wilson, German cellist Leonard Elschenbroich, and Irish pianist Finghin Collins. The programme will include two of the great symphonies by Rachmaninov and Nielsen; Beethoven's magisterial ‘Emperor’ piano concerto; Elgar’s iconic cello concerto, Schubert masterpieces, and the world premiere of Kevin O’Connell’s 'Early Music'.
The RTÉ NSO and ConTempo will perform in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway starting with Schubert: The Quartet and Beyond 1 on Friday July 17; Schubert: The Quartet Beyond 2 with Leonard Elschenbroich on Saturday 18; and Schubert: The Quartet and Beyond 3 with RTÉ NSO musicians John Finucane, Bethan Watkeys, Hilary Sheil and Dominic Dudley on Sunday 19. All concerts start at 1pm.
Orchestral Masterworks 1 will feature Leonard Elschenbroich and John Wilson on Friday 17, and Orchestral Masterworks 2 featuring Finghin Collins and John Wilson on Saturday 18. Both concerts take place in at 6pm, in the Bailey Allen Hall, NUIG.
John O’Kane, executive director, RTÉ Orchestras, Quartet and Choirs said: "The Galway International Arts Festival enables people to encounter the arts in a uniquely dynamic and relaxed environment. RTÉ are here to play a part in that heady mixture, by creating an opportunity for festival goers to encounter great classical music."
Tickets and booking are through www.giaf.ie
