There is a saying that life begins at 40, but in the case of Music in Great Irish Houses, life actually began exactly 40 years ago when the seeds of the Festival were planted in one of the most iconic of Ireland‘s Palladian style mansions . Ever since that first concert in Castletown House, Celbridge, then the home of the Hon. Desmond Guinness, the Festival has attracted artists of the calibre of renowned guitarist John Williams who played in the first week at another historic Irish building, Carton House, setting the tone for the Summer musical celebration ever since.
The vision of the founder David Laing, coupled with the drive and enthusiasm of those who followed his first steps at the helm remain a cornerstone of what is now a significant landmark in Irish cultural life.
2010 is a signal year in many ways. Not only is it the 40th anniversary, but it sees the Festival develop in a number of directions: for the first time we will present a three day event at the Centre Culturel Irlandais and the Irish Embassy on Avenue Foch – a “Great Irish House” abroad, while at home we are pleased to announce a new partnership with the RDS for the presentation of a series of Autumn chamber music concerts. Young Irish string quartets will be encouraged by the professional tutoring and mentoring of an international musician who will advise on all aspects of public performance in our “Support Act” project. An alternative concert with l’Autre Ebene – the morphed Quatre Ebene will attract a different audience at Leeson Street’s Sugar Club.
The concerts this year will take place at Killruddery House, Emo Court, Beaulieu House, Deerpark, the American Ambassador’s Residence in the Phoenix Park, the RDS and, of course, at the Festival’s birth-place, Castletown House. We greatly appreciate the generous participation of all the owners and custodians of these historic buildings.
I would like to acknowledge the continued support of long-term event sponsors, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Schering-Plough and Tipperary Water. We are also heartened by the fact that Fáilte Ireland has once again recognised the value of the Festival. The generosity of the many other sponsors, loyal supporters and “Friends” is enormous and I thank them all most sincerely. The ongoing support of the OPW and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism is enormously helpful and greatly appreciated and I acknowledge the Arts Council’s help with the “Support Act” project.
Finally, it is fair to say that the Festival could not happen without the generous support of our title sponsor KBC Bank who enhance their financial backing by giving the gift of live classical music to many of their clients.
My wish is that many will partake of the feast of chamber music on the menu for at the 40th Anniversary banquet of Music in Great Irish Houses.
LAURIE CEARR, General Manager