Joe to launch piano festival from Dunbrody
Everyone is welcome to the launch of New Ross Piano Festival where the very talented up-and-coming musician Joe O’Grady will be playing next Tuesday, August 22, at 6.30 p.m.
The launch is on in the Dunbrody Visitor Centre and short performances on the grand piano will take place on the ship itself. Finghin Collins, the festival’s Artistic Director, said he is delighted that Joe is appearing to share the stage with him. Joe, (13), won his first competition at the age of five and seems destined to a professional career as a pianist. Everyone who hears him is amazed at his stunning ability and obvious love of the music. New Ross Piano Festival has nurtured several young pianists in its 13 years existence. For example, Jonathan Morris from Templeudigan is now making waves at home and in America where he has been studying for several years. The festival has also been adventurous in commissioning new music from Irish composers.
They initiated the Ros Tapestry Suite, which was actually 15 new works inspired by the Ros Tapestry panels. The score of that is now for sale in the Tapestry Exhibition Centre.
This year one of Ireland’s most established composers, John Buckley, has written a new work for piano which will have its world premiere at the festival. He will be at the launch as the guest speaker in August to give an insight into the workings of the mind of a composer. See www.newrosspianofestival.com or pick up one of the brochures which are widely distributed in the area for more information.