WEST WICKLOW FESTIVAL

THE WEST WICKLOW Festival returns for the third time with an expanded programme featuring 15 artists over five days.

Concerts are being held from May 15 to May 19 at Russborough House and St Mary’s Church in Blessington.

The programme will include performances from captivating Australian soprano Lauren Fagan, internationally acclaimed violinist Elena Urioste with pianist Tom Poster, renowned string quartet Quatuor Voce, prominent French ensemble Trio Atanassov, the dynamic Duo Játékok and the festival’s founder and artistic director, celebrated Irish pianist Fiachra Garvey.

Explaining the inspiration behind the 2019 festival, Fiachra said: ‘This year’s programme marks two very important events – namely the 200th Anniversary of Clara Schumann’s birth and the centenary of the outbreak of the Irish War of Independence. We join in celebrating the music of Clara Schumann this year as well as music by other female composers and we have commissioned two new works in memory of the Irish War of Independence. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the stunning Russborough House in May to enjoy this fantastic programme in a uniquely intimate setting’.

The birth of Clara Schuman 200 years ago will be marked by presenting some of her finest works alongside those of other influential Irish and international female composers, including Amy Beach, Lili Boulanger, Rhona Clarke, Rhoda Coghill and Joan Trimble.

West Wicklow Festival has also commissioned two new pieces of music to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the Irish War of Independence. The first of these new compositions is by prominent Irish composer Sam Perkin, with this highly anticipated new piece receiving its world premiere on Wednesday, May 15, performed by Fiachra. The other new commission, written by young British composer Lilly Vadaneaux, will be performed for the first time by Lauren Fagan (soprano), and accompanied by Fiachra on Sunday, May 19 at St. Mary’s Church, Blessington.

Last year, the festival teamed up with the National Concert Hall’s Learning and Participation team to deliver an interactive family concert as well as an innovative programme of musical activities at Russborough’s intricate hedge-maze and mystical Lady’s Island. This collaboration will continue in 2019 with full details of the Festival’s family and educational activities being announced shortly.

To book your tickets, please visit westwicklowfestival.com.