Ambitious programme aimed at nurturing a love of music

Arts Week with Judy Murphy

Giving people the right to listen to, learn about and love music has been the mission of Galway Music Residency (GMR), since the organisation was set up 17 years ago. Its new and most extensive programme was launched on Monday evening, with a diverse range of musical events which will take place across Galway County and City until next summer.

These kick off next Tuesday, September 3, with the From Europe with Love free lunchtime concert series.

This three-year project, which began last September, celebrates the European Union’s shared heritage by exploring the string quartet repertoire of member states.

This season’s concerts, being held in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church in Galway City on the first Tuesday of every month, will feature music from Germany, Spain, Bulgaria, Sweden, Ireland, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Slovenia and Estonia.

Germany will feature next Tuesday and the concert will start at 1.10pm.

The ConTempo Quartet – Galway’s Ensemble in Residence and the cornerstone of the Galway Music Residency – will perform and a speaker from the German embassy will introduce the event.

Galway Music Residency collaborates with groups, schools and festivals countywide during the year and events this season will kick off in Portumna on Thursday, September 19. ConTempo will give a concert in the town’s Christ Church at 11.30am that day in association with Shorelines Arts Festival.

On Sunday, December 15, the quartet will perform in Campbell’s Tavern, Cloughanover, at 5pm, in association with Headford Music Works. The Ballroom in Kylemore Abbey is the venue on Sunday, February 9 at, 3pm. That concert will feature Kylemore Abbey Children’s Choir. On Sunday, April 5, at 7.30pm, ConTempo will be in Athenry’s Raheen Woods Hotel, in association with Athenry Music School.  This county tour will conclude on Thursday, May 7, in Oughterard with a concert in the Courthouse at 1pm. These are free with donations welcome.

Back in the city, Music and Musing, a three-concert series in conjunction with the Contemporary Music Centre will be held in the Black Gate Cultural Centre. These concerts, on September 26, November 14 and December 5, will feature new Irish work alongside established classical pieces. Listeners will have an opportunity to explore new music and learn about what’s involved in composing in today’s world. These are at 8pm and admission is €15/10.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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