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MUSIC FOR GALWAY PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL MIDWINTER FESTIVAL
FEATURING THE GALWAY ENSEMBLE IN RESIDENCE, CONTEMPO QUARTET
JANUARY 20-22, 2012
For an intimate encounter with a specially varied musical programme ranging from the 17th century to the 21st century, a unique combination of artistry involving voice, dance, literature, drama and visual art as well as two internationally renowned quartets, check out the Town Hall Theatre Galway on the third weekend in January.
Music for Galway’s mid-winter festival in January features two of the most outstanding contemporary quartets in the world-Galway’s ensemble in residence, ConTempo Quartet 
and Amsterdam’s world renowned saxophone quartet, the Amstel Quartet. Audiences will have a chance to hear some fascinating interpretations of familiar works in unfamiliar settings, such as Barber’s Adagio for Strings performed by saxophone quartet, arrangements of Bach fugues by Mozart, a version of Wagner’s operatic ‘Ring’ Cycle for saxophones in 21 minutes, and more surprises! Popular works such as Barber’s Adagio, Philip Glass’ string quartet ‘Company’ and Arvo Part’s Fratres will be performed (not always as you might expect!) while two incredible works for string quartet have inspired the title of the festival-Sibelius’ string quartet from 1910 known as ‘Intimate Voices’ and Leos Janácek’s final composition, ‘Intimate Letters’. Janácek wrote over 700 letters to his inspiration and muse, a women nearly 40 years younger than himself, describing his passion. Galway-based actor Rod Goodall will read extracts prior to the performance of Janácek’s 1928 quartet.
Mozart’s beautiful Adagio and Fugue, written at the instigation of his wife Constanza, will be heard in two versions; audiences will be able to compare performances by strings and by saxophones. It is fitting that the saxophone quartet has been called ‘the string quartet of the 21st century’. A number of guests will join the festival, contributing to its multi-disciplinary character this year. Video artist Mihai Cucu, from Bucharest, is creating three specially commissioned video pieces to accompany the music each night. Judith Sibley, choreographer and director of Chrysalis Dance and Youth Ballet West, will be creating dance movement for five Bach fugues. The Galway Music Residency Apprentice Ensemble, 
Chatham Saxophone Quartet, will join with the Amstel Quartet to perform a work for 8 saxophones by the famous Dutch 17th century composer Jan Sweelinck who lived at the same time as Rembrandt, Psalm 111. Baritone Gavan Ring, winner of the first Bernadette Greevy Bursary at the National Concert Hall, will join ConTempo for a performance of Samuel Barber’s romantic ‘Dover Beach’.
Charlie Byrne’s Bookstore will be based in the Town Hall for the weekend, offering a selection of books with a musical theme and a workshop involving young musicians from Galway will take place in the Town Hall Studio on Saturday afternoon.
The Festival is again sponsored by DERI and Music for Galway gratefully acknowledges the essential support of the Arts Council. For visitors from outside Galway, there are hotel/concert packages on offer with Park House Hotel and the The Ardilaun House Hotel
Tickets: €20, concessions €16, students €6
Festival Tickets €55/€45. Booking : Town Hall Theatre 091 569777, online at www.tht.ie Festival Vouchers available from Music for Galway, Tel 091-705 962
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Celebrate Christmas with the Galway Music Residency!
Come and enjoy the sounds of the season with the Galway Ensemble in Residence: Con Tempo Quartet. The Galway Music Residency is proud to present the annual series of FREE Christmas concerts with programmes featuring well known and less familiar festive music with some popular old favourites and one or two surprises to boot!. The final of the three concerts will be extra special when Galway’s apprentice ensemble, the Chatham Saxophone Quartet will join ConTempo in a seasonal programme featuring the much loved Corelli – Christmas Oratorio.
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Event |
The Galway Ensemble in Residence : Con Tempo Quartet Celebrate Christmas! |
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Date |
December 8th |
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Time |
2pm |
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Location |
University Hospital Galway |
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Ticket price |
FREE
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Event |
The Galway Ensemble in Residence : Con Tempo Quartet Celebrate Christmas! |
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Date |
December 14th |
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Time |
1pm |
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Location |
City Hall, College Road, Galway |
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Ticket price |
FREE
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Event |
The Galway Ensemble in Residence : Con Tempo Quartet & The Galway Apprentice Ensemble, The Chatham Saxophone Quartet Celebrate Christmas ! |
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Date |
December 15th |
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Time |
1pm |
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Location |
The Kenny Gallery, Liosban Industrial Estate, Galway |
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Ticket price |
FREE |
Admission to all concerts is free of charge thanks to the support of The Arts Council, NUIG, Galway University Foundation, Bank of Ireland, Galway City and County Councils and Friends of The Galway Music Residency. Although no bookings are required, early arrival is advised.
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THE GALWAY MUSIC RESIDENCY AND ST. PATRICK’S BRASS BAND PRESENTS:
A NIGHT OF BRASS MUSIC FEATURING GARY CURTIN AND
THE ST. PATRICK’S BRASS BAND
After 3 days of intensive workshops for brass instrument players with Gary Curtin, the St. Patrick’s Brass Band will strut their stuff on Friday, November 4th at 8 p.m. The concert will take place at St. Patrick’s Church on Forster Street. Featuring that evening will be Gary Curtin, Principal Euphonium, Black Dyke Band and junior and senior Band members.
The programme features a delightful mix of brass music, including:
- Moonlight Serenade
- Music from the Pirates of Caribbean film
- Sweet Gingerbread Man
- James Bond Theme
- We are the Champions
- The Lion King
and more!
We hope you will join us for this very special event and come cheer on the Band for the wonderful work they are doing this week in The Galway Music Residency’s annual Autumn School.
Admission to the concert is FREE.
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