US ambassador to open Gerard Manley International Hopkins festival

This year’s Gerard Manley Hopkins International Festival will take place in Newbridge College, Co. Kildare from July 21 to 27 inclusive.

Described as ‘The best literary festival in Ireland’ the festival incorporates a highly regarded Literary Conference; Youth Programme; Creative Writing Workshop; Music Workshop; Translation Workshop; Art Exhibition; International Poetry Readings and nightly Festival Club.

“Festival 2023, our 35th event, will be opened by H.E. Claire Cronin, American Ambassador to Ireland, at 7.30pm on July 21, in Newbridge College Theatre,” said a committee spokesperson.

“The opening event, Art Exhibition and Festival Club each evening is free to members of the public. Tickets for any or all other events including the annual Classical Concert can be booked on our website www.gerardmanleyhopkins.org, where you can also view our full festival programme 2023.

“We are delighted and honoured once again to welcome distinguished Swedish concert pianist Hans Pålsson who will perform on Saturday July 20 at 8 pm in Newbridge College Theatre — not to be missed if you are a music lover, so keep the date.”

The programme will feature works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Hayden and Schubert. Many consider Hans Pålsson one of the great pianists of our time. Tributes have been paid to the depth and lyricism of his playing.

Pålsson’s own recordings of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations; of Schubert; and of Mozart are considered outstanding.

He is a member of the Swedish Royal Academy and Director of Master Classes at Lund University.