Superb line up for West Wicklow Festival

The West Wicklow Festival is thrilled to unveil its Winter Weekend programme, offering a series of enchanting concerts from November 14 to 17.

This seasonal edition of the festival will bring together world-class musicians for unforgettable performances in the luxurious Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort.

The programme commences on Thursday 14 at 8pm with Irish violinist Patrick Rafter and festival founder / pianist Fiachra Garvey celebrating the launch of their debut album with Rubicon Classics. This much-loved duo will perform a captivating programme beginning with the poignant Poème Élégiaque by Ysaÿe, inspired by Shakespeare’s tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet.

The connection to Fauré continues with Ravel’s Sonata No. 2 in G major. Having studied composition with Fauré, this sonata is hugely influenced by Ravel’s love of American jazz and blues music.

The second half comprises Lekeu’s gargantuan Sonata in G major, a tour de force, full of energetic bursts of passion and dramatic climaxes.

The Winter Weekend will continue on Friday 15 with a mesmerising concert featuring Irish clarinettist Carol McGonnell, English violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen, and pianist Fiachra Garvey.

The trio’s programme will include the evocative and folk-inspired Trio for clarinet, violin, and piano by Khachaturian, followed by Stravinsky’s dynamic L’Histoire du soldat, inspired by the Russian tale of The Runaway Soldier and the Devil, and Milhaud’s spirited Suite Op.157b, written for the stage play The Traveller Without Baggage.

This concert will also proudly include a new festival commission by the acclaimed Irish composer and video-game music sensation Eímear Noone, to commemorate the West Wicklow-born ballet icon Ninette de Valois.

“For several years now I have wanted to commission a work to pay tribute to one of the greatest cultural icons from West Wicklow, Dame Ninette de Valois. A pioneer in so many respects, one of her greatest legacies was the establishment of the Royal Ballet. Born locally at Baltyboys House as Edris Stannus, Ninette’s story is one of great adventure! When I was contemplating a composer to approach with regards writing this new commission, I immediately thought of Eímear Noone, particularly due to her close connection to the LA Ballet for many years,” said Fiachra Garvey, festival founder and artistic director.

The music continues on Saturday 16 at 12 noon with a Rising Stars Concert that will showcase the extraordinary talents of South Korean violinist Jisun Min and Latvian pianist Didzis Kalniņš. The dynamic duo will present a stunning programme including Stravinsky’s ballet-inspired Suite Italienne, Mendelssohn’s lyrical Sonata in F major and Ravel’s fiery Tzigane. Min and Kalniņš will also perform an exciting world premiere of the winning composition from the West Wicklow Festival’s Composition Competition, in partnership with the Contemporary Music Centre.

On Saturday evening the acclaimed French piano trio, Trio Talweg, present a compelling programme starting with Britten’s French-influenced Introduction and Allegro, Schumann’s most celebrated and intensely romantic Piano Trio No.1 in D minor, Op.63, Irish composer Gerald Barry’s uniquely vivacious and rhythmical Triorchic Blues, and finishing with Ravel’s exquisite Piano Trio in A minor, M. 67,.

The weekend concludes with an exquisite Sunday afternoon recital featuring Irish star soprano Anna Devin and pianist Fiachra Garvey.

Mr Garvey commented, “The Winter Weekend is a celebration of the beauty and warmth of chamber music, set in the charming and festive atmosphere of West Wicklow. A special thank you to the management and all the staff at Tulfarris for making us feel so welcome. We hope you enjoy your experience at the concerts, as well as the wonderful facilities the hotel has to offer!”

He also announced a new partnership with Baltinglass Further Education and Training Centre and Music Generation Wicklow to launch a 10-week course in Adult Music Appreciation and Education.

Participants will showcase their experiences and learnings in a coffee concert on Sunday, 17 November. Tickets (€10-€35 +bkg fee) are now on sale from www.westwicklowfestival.com.

The West Wicklow Festival is funded by the Arts Council and supported by Wicklow Arts Office, the Apollo Foundation and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.