English pianist to launch celebration in Galway of DebussyÕs 150th birthday

Date Published: {J}

English pianist Rolf Hind visits Galway next Tuesday, February 7, to start the celebrations of Debussy’s 150th birthday. In a programme called ‘Debussy & beyond…’, Rolf has put together a fascinating sequence of pieces which trace the influence of Debussy into the 20th and 21st century.

Born in London and now living there after studies at the Royal College of Music and Los Angeles, Rolf’s career has many facets. He appears regularly at new music festivals throughout Europe and is in demand as a soloist with orchestras worldwide. In recent years he has also developed a growing reputation as a composer.

Rolf will lead a discussion on ‘Musicians and Mindfulness’ in a ‘Meet the Musician’ session at The Cube, Áras na MacLéinn, NUI Galway at lunchtime on February 7. Rolf has been teaching a course in mindfulness at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and believes that it is a valuable tool which can help in all aspects of music-making and listening.

The concert is the first of two events planned by Music for Galway to celebrate Debussy 150 Years. The second event takes place on Tuesday, March 13, in the Hotel Meyrick with a special programme of vocal music with piano and string quartet and including Debussy’s string quartet, sonata for violin and piano and cello sonata. Lenneke Ruiten, soprano, Thom Janssen, piano and ConTempo Quartet are the musicians.

Tickets:€20 / Members & Concessions €16 / Students: €6 from Music for Galway: 091705962, or Opus II, 4 High Street, or www.tht.ie