Double helping of orchestral treats

Expect orchestral manoeuvres on the double in Galway next month, as Music for Galway’s Orchestral Series kicks off with two concerts – one from the Irish Chamber Orchestra on October 10, and the other from the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on October 24.

First up is the Irish Chamber Orchestra, led by Katherine Hunka, who will perform a diverse programme including music by Mozart and Stravinsky in their concert at the Black Box Theatre. Pianist extraordinaire and Music for Galway artistic director Finghin Collins will join the ICO to perform Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D major.

The concert is bookended by two Mozart symphonies. The opening one includes two movements from the overture to his comic opera La finta gardiniera, which he wrote when he was just 18; the second one is the exquisite Symphony No. 29, another of his early works and one of the best-known.

Although Stravinsky’s Concerto in D is also a light and vivacious work, it  will provide a contrast to Mozart’s symphonies.

At the heart of the night is Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D major, a work of strikingly dramatic contrasts, with its Hungarian finale, for which the ICO will be joined by Finghin Collins.

In a more intimate part of the evening, Finghin will also join six members of the orchestra to perform Stravinsky’s Septet, an abstract and daring piece from 1953.

The orchestral fun continues two Saturdays later, on October 24, in Leisureland as Music for Galway goes to the movies, in what is being billed as a family event.

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by John O’Brien will perform scores from the John Williams Collection, including music from favourite films such as Superman, Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. and Schindler’s List.

Music for Galway is presenting these two concerts as part of its Orchestral Series thanks to support from Stewart Construction and through funding from the Arts Council and Galway City Council.

■ Tickets for the Irish Chamber Orchestra  are €20 / €16 concessions and MFG Friends / €10 full-time students

Tickets for the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on October 24 are: €30 / €25 concessions and MFG Friends / €15 full-time students.

Booking for both at at MFG 091 705962 / Opus 2, High Street / www.musicforgalway.ie