Co. Limerick village hosts some of the world’s finest classical musicians this autumn.
Renowned Japanese pianist Yoko Ono will perform the opening concert of this year’s Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series.
The awarding winning performer, who has studied with Christopher Elton at the Royal Academy of Music, London and nominated for the Best Classical Act during the Brighton Festival 2007 will be joined by Mairéad Hickey who is one of Ireland’s most accomplished young violinists, winning National Concert Hall Irish Young Musician of the Year 2010 – 2012.
The duo will open with the beautiful, but infrequently performed Sonatina for Violin and Piano by Schubert with several other pieces including from Poulenc, Tchaikovsky and Dvořák.
The concert takes place on Tuesday 29th August in All Saints Church in Castleconnell and starts the 12th edition of the Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series.
All Saints Church in Castleconnell is once again the venue for the four concert series. The aim in presenting these concerts is to give the people of Limerick the opportunity to enjoy live classical music, performed by highly skilled musicians at a wonderful venue that are both intimate and local.
The other concerts in the series are:
On Tuesday 26 September the Cassiopeia Wind Quintet invites you to join them on a musical discovery of wind quintet masterworks. From the timeless serenity of one of Danzi’s masterful quintets, to reflections of a more modern age, mirrored in the Six Bagatelles of Ligeti you can experience the power of the five diverse wind instruments.
Tuesday 17 October sees Norway’s internationally-renowned trumpet star Tine Thing Helseth brings her infectious enthusiasm to Castleconnell. She has commissioned new works from numerous composers and in the process has become recognised as one of the world’s leading trumpet soloists. For this tour, she is accompanied by regular collaborator Gunnar Flagstad on piano.
The final concert on Tuesday 28 November music lovers will delight in seeing Katherine Hunka (Violin) and Finghin Collins (Piano) play in a new and exciting collaboration. Their appearance in Castleconnell is one of a nine-venue nationwide classicallinks tour funded by an Arts Council Touring Award.. As well as being among the top soloists in the country, they are exceptional communicators. The programme of duets for violin and piano will feature well-known classics by Beethoven and Brahms and lesser known works by Czech composer Leoš Janáček and contemporary Irish composer Ian Wilson.
Each concert will be introduced by Liz Nolan from RTE Lyric fm, who will give an overview of each of the concerts and what the audience can expect.
Liz said: “The Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series 2017 has attracted outstanding Irish and international musicians to perform in the lovely environs of All Saints Church in the village. Once again, this season’s programme offers diverse and beguiling pleasures. Violinist Mairéad Hickey has already consolidated her reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young violinists, and her recital with Yoko Ono promises an exciting display of her skills.”
“The genial and brilliantly talented Cassiopeia Wind Quintet is made up of principals from Ireland’s preeminent orchestras: friends from student days, the five players interact with a mixture of flawless technique and passion for their craft. Staying with winds, Castleconnell is honoured to welcome Tine Thing Helseth - an outstanding international trumpet virtuoso, who displays her panache and artistry in recital with Gunnar Flagstad. And finally, to two of our own- pianist Finghin Collins and Katherine Hunka, leader of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, who together represent a ‘dream team’ of chamber performance. Their November concert promises to be a simple joy.”
“It’s a pleasure to celebrate such great music performance with you this season - let’s enjoy!”
Ticket details for the Castleconnell 2017 Autumn Concerts Series programme at the All Saints' Church (Tickets €15 available at the door prior to each performance, €10 concession).
Online pre-booking is recommended: www.limetreetheatre.ie Box Office 061 953400.
Further information is available from Limerick City and County Council Arts Office, on 061 525031 | artsoffice@limerick.ie | facebook.com/LimerickArtsOffice | Twitter @LimerickArts
Upcoming concerts:
Tuesday 29 August
Mairéad Hickey and Yoko Ono
Tuesday 26 September
Cassiopeia Wind Quintet
Tuesday 17 October
Tine Thing Helseth and Gunnar Flagstad
Tuesday 28 November
Katherine Hunka and Finghin Collins
All concerts are in All Saints Church Castleconnell and begin at 8.00pm
Further information:
Limerick Arts Office, Merchant’s Quay, Limerick: 061 525031; artsoffice@limerick.ie
The Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series is a Limerick Arts Office initiative in collaboration with the Castleconnell Concert committee.
The concerts are supported by the Arts Council and the Limerick Arts Office.
