STRONG JAZZ AND CLASSICAL LINE-UP FOR NEW ROSS PIANO FESTIVAL
Led by its artistic director and renowned pianist, Finghin Collins, this year’s New Ross Piano Festival gets under way on Wednesday, running for four days.
The festival boasts a strong line-up of international concert performers from Hungary, Germany, Italy, the UK and Ireland. Performances take place in the historic St. Mary’s Church which dates back to the 13th century.
There is a very full programme and everyone is advised to check the website, www.newrosspianofestival.com. Connie Tantrum of the festival committee said there is something for everyone this year, from jazz piano with Phil Ware and Enrico Pieranunzi on Wednesday to the Young Piano Students on Thursday, from 11 a.m. free jazz in the library with Myles Drennan to the late night concert called Labyrinth in the church with extraordinary pianist David Greilsammer, both on Saturday.
The music to be heard varies from familiar favourites like Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin, to lesser known composers like Bartok and Kurtag. The pianists range from Irish Finghin Collins, a familiar figure round New Ross, to Klara Wurtz from Hungary. There are solo concerts and there are three concerts with several brilliant musicians taking part.
There are short free concerts like the one at 12 noon in the church on Friday, and there are longer fuller concerts in the evenings.
‘ The people of New Ross and beyond are becoming familiar once more with the trademark black and white posters, signs and leaflets advertising this much anticipated annual event. Visitors will also have much to enjoy in addition to the music including exploring the Norman Way, which includes the enhancement of St Mary’s Church, Ros Tapestry, Dunbrody Famine Ship and Kennedy Centre and the scenery of the south Wexford coast and the river Barrow.’
‘ This year there is a new Jazz Day during the Piano Festival so gather up your sandwiches and fruit and make your way to St Mary’s Church for 1 p.m. Phil Ware and his double bassist Damian Evans will entertain you, and the organisers will give you complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits after the concert.’
Full details are available at www.newrosspianofestival.com