The programme for Birr Festival of Music 2021 has been announced.
Following the festival’s postponement last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s event will now host a diverse range of classical music events across the Midlands town from Friday, August 20, to Sunday, August 22 inclusive.
Internationally acclaimed baritone Bruno Caproni and pianist Julian Evans return to perform at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre with a programme including the music of Verdi, Wagner, Bernstein, Liszt, and Rachmaninov.
The Far Flung Trio made up of Kathrine Hunka (violin ), Dermot Dunne (accordion ), and Malachy Robinson (double bass ) will feature for the first time while percussionist Alex Petcu also makes his festival debut with a performance and special percussion workshop.
Dame Nellie Melba will be remembered in a pop-up performance in Emmet Square and the Offaly Drama Project will also host a special event, The Meadow Project, at Birr Workhouse Burial Ground.
Vox Amicum Brass will also bring the festival to life with jazz and classical sounds in the streets and parks of Birr on Friday afternoon of the Festival.
The six musician’s for this year’s Trench Award final which takes place on the Saturday night during the festival have also been chosen.
They are Laura Joy Copeland, mezzo-soprano, Kilkenny; David Kennedy, baritone, Galway; Aoibhin Keogh Daly, cello, Limerick ; Lily Kettle, violin, Laois; Maria Matthews, soprano, Longford; and David Vesey, piano, Laois.
All pursuing careers in the classical field, they will each perform a 15-minute programme at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre.
The recipients of the Trench Award, Birr Lions Club Bursary, the Canto Al Serchio Prize, and Audrey Chisholm Award will all be selected by an international panel. They will also be accompanied by one of Ireland’s most accomplished pianists, Dearbhla Collins.
Birr Festival of Music is funded by The Trench Trust, The Arts Council of Ireland, Offaly Arts Office, The Audrey Chisholm Project, and supported by Birr Lions Club and Birr Credit Union.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday, July 30. Visit www.birrfestivalofmusic.com or call the box office on (057 ) 91 22911 between 1.30pm and 5.30pm. All events must be pre-booked in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions.
