The annual summer classical music festival in Bofeenaun church returns this July in its 10th anniversary season. A group of outstanding classical musicians will again be filling this beautiful church, set against the dramatic backdrop of Nephin Mountain, with a blend of familiar and less familiar pieces of music from all periods, introduced, as always, with their trademark humour and insight. This year there will be three concerts – on Thursday July 11, Saturday 13, and Sunday 14 – each with a different programme of music. Once again, there is huge demand for tickets, so order yours early.
The performers this year will be led by Iain King (violin ), originally from Scotland and now living near Ballina. Iain has played with the Philharmonic Orchestra (first violin ) and the English Chamber Orchestra (assistant leader ) and has worked on more than 600 recordings.
Caroline Clemmow (piano ), an outstanding soloist and chamber musician with a wide-ranging repertoire, has toured the former Soviet Union and has been particularly involved in resurrecting unjustly forgotten works.
Su-a Lee (cello ), originally from Korea, trained at the Juilliard and founded the Mr McFall’s Chamber group, whose raison d’être is performing classical music in innovative ways. Her musical interests range far and wide and she might even be persuaded to play the saw.
Gareth Hulse (oboe ), who was educated at Cambridge and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music and in Freiburg, is passionate about contemporary music. As well as teaching, he has performed with a number of orchestras, including the London Philharmonic, in chamber groups, and as a soloist.
Brian Schiele (viola ), who was born in Argentina, has a strong interest in chamber music and has worked with a number of chamber groups, as well as with the London Philharmonia and London Festival Ballet orchestra.
The three concerts will be held on Thursday July 11 at 8pm, Saturday July 13 at 8pm, and Sunday July 14 at 4pm. There will be a cheese and wine reception during the interval. Tickets, which cost €22.50, are on sale from Bofeenaun Post Office, call 087 223 4957. Book early to avoid disappointment. For further information visit www.mayosummerclassics.com
