PRESS RELEASE – 26/03/09
Wonderful music in beautiful, historic settings to delight audiences at KBC MUSIC IN GREAT IRISH HOUSES FESTIVAL this June
These times of economic turbulence continue to be a source of real concern, particularly for Arts organizations, so it is was a great joy and relief when KBC Bank Ireland (formerly IIB Bank) unswervingly kept faith with the Festival this year, particularly as it approaches its landmark 40th Anniversary in 2010.
The Festival, which will run from June 7th – 13th, is a firm favourite with music lovers, as it offers a unique opportunity to experience performances from world-class international and homegrown virtuosos, amidst the beautiful surroundings of some of Ireland’s stateliest residences and buildings. This blend of carefully chosen chamber music programmes, performed by pre-eminent artists in these grand, yet intimate historic venues, in addition to its extremely friendly and social feel, has ensured that the KBC Music in Great Irish Houses Festival remains one of the most popular and important events in the Irish classical music calendar.
The Festival opens this year at the magnificent neo-classical jewel of Emo Court (June 7th) in Laois, with performances from world-renowned artists Daniel Müller – Schott (cello) and Robert Kulek (piano) whose brilliance and synergy in performing together will be guaranteed to enthrall audiences.
With its stunning recital rooms, and its enchanting gardens, Kilruddery House in Wicklow has been a consistent sell out venue over the Festival’s 39 year history, and as such, will play host to two separate dates this year. The first programme takes place on June 8th, and features a collaboration by two of Ireland’s premier international performers: Hugh Tinney (piano) and John Finucane (clarinet). These distinguished artists are joined by Tara Erraught (mezzo-soprano), who is one of the most exciting singers to emerge in recent years, and who will be making her Festival début. The second programme (June 9th), features John O’Conor, considered to be a gifted and sympathetic chamber music partner. He will join forces with the exuberant and supremely talented, Navarra Quartet.
June 10th welcomes Ireland’s adopted musical son Philippe Cassard, at The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin. Since winning the inaugural Dublin International Piano Competition in 1988, Philippe continues to hold a special place in Irish audiences’ hearts, and they in his. He is joined from Paris by Quatuor Ebène, one of the most individual sounding and sought after string quartets on the international scene, who will be taking up a residency in London’s celebrated Wigmore Hall during the 2010/11 season. This musical collaboration, amidst Ireland’s most impressive art collection, is sure to be a real treat for the senses. These five virtuosos will then journey south on June 11th to perform within the secluded tranquility of Cork’s Fota House.
June 12th sees the return of Chinese guitar sensation Xufei Yang to Ireland, as she takes to the stage in the venerable, yet intimate surroundings of County Louth’s Beaulieu House. On this occasion, she is paired with the brilliant British cellist, Natalie Clein, widely acknowledged as one of the most talented recipients of the BBC Musician of the Year competition. Having forged extremely successful individual careers, it is with great delight that the Festival announces their joint performance.
The Festival’s finale will take place on June 13th in the beautifully restored splendour of Castletown House in Kildare – undoubtedly Ireland’s finest Palladian house.
Castletown House, which is considered by many to be the spiritual home of the Festival, will play host on the night to the youthfully powerful and expressionistic Belcea Quartet. They will be joined by the revered and iconic cellist, Valentin Erben. Mr. Erben played with the celebrated Alban Berg Quartet for forty years, and is without doubt one of the greatest chamber musicians of our time. This blend of supreme talent, experience, and exuberance promises to provide a fitting finale for the Festival’s famous last night.
What were considered to be the Festival’s larger spin-off projects, The Gallery Gathering and Outreach Education projects, unfortunately fell victim to necessary funding constraints this year. However, adversity breeds creativity, and due to the generous donation of time and expertise by some of the Festival’s participants, the organisers are delighted to be delivering an exciting new initiative, named Supporting Act. This nurturing and mentoring programme will greatly enhance the performing skills of many of Ireland’s most promising ensembles. The hope is that all three programmes will return at full – if not greater - strength next year.
KBC Music in Great Irish Houses thanks all participants, patrons and sponsors for their continued loyalty on this, the Festival’s 39th Anniversary. The Festival is very proud of its success to date, and extremely excited about plans for its future.
BOOKING INFORMATION
Box Office: 01 664 2822
Online: www.ticketsireland.ie or at 1890 305 305 (includes booking fee)
For information about KBC Bank Music in Great Houses Festival
Website: www.musicgreatirishhouses.com
Email: info@musicgreatirishhouses.com
Tel: +353 1 664 2822
For further media information please contact
Mary Folan or Niamh Queeney at Kate Bowe PR
Tel: +353 1 652 0143
Email: kate@katebowepr.ie mary@katebowepr.ie niamh.queeney@katebowepr.ie