'EARLY MUSIC' covers music from the mediaeval, Renaissance, and early baroque periods. Jazz is a form which arose in the early decades of the 20th century. So what are they doing together at the Galway Early Music festival?
This year's festival runs from May 19 to 21 and features some intriguing marriages of early music and jazz and traditional music and new music, alongside concerts, workshops, talks, demonstrations, street and family events.
It opens on Monday 19 at 1pm with Time-Travel by Temenos in the Chapel of the Poor Clares', with a concert combining recorder and clarinet, baroque and new music. At 8pm, Crux Vocal Ensemble and saxophonist Natalia McGeogh (saxophone ) will fuse early choral music and jazz improvisation.
Saturday 20 has a number of free events in The Latin Quarter, with music on the streets; storytelling for children in Charlie Byrne's; storytelling for the families in The King's Head; a coffee concert in St Nicholals' Collegiate Church; and an exhibition and talk by Ancient Music Ireland in the Mechanics' Institute, Middle Street. At 8pm, award-winning Italian ensemble Micrologus perform music from 14th century Italy.Sunday 21 features two free events in The Hall at Busker Brownes - a medieval dance workshop at 12 noon, and an Early Irish Harp Taster Workshop at 2pm. The final concert takes place at 5pm in St Nicholas', featuring Athenry Horizon Orchestra, St Nicholas' Choristers, The Red Earl’s Musicke, and the Frenchville Brass Ensemble, all directed by The Gregory Walkers as part of GEM’s Early Music for Young Musicians.
For full programme and ticket information see www.galwayearlymusic.com
