Classical musicians tune up for autumn music series

Pictured above: The RTÉ Contempo Quartet who will be among the many talented, classical musicians taking part in the autumn music series. 

Also set to take part in the autumn music series is the Chatham Saxophone Quartet

The RTÉ Contempo Quartet, award-winning German cellist Leonard Elschenbroich and fiddler Zoë Conway are among the confirmed participants in a classical autumn music series taking place in Limerick this year.

The Arts Office of Limerick City & County Council and committee member Pat Burke, supported by the Arts Council, have unveiled details of the 9th annual Castleconnell Autumn Concerts Series which takes place at the All Saints’ Church.

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The series commences on Tuesday 30th September with the Chatham Saxophone Quartet and continues in October and November with performances from pianist Michael McHale and German cellist Leonard Elschenbroich.

The RTÉ Contempo Quartet, in association with the Limerick Arts Office and The Granary Library meanwhile, will present three free concerts in The Granary with a particular focus on the works of Joseph Haydn, the father of the String Quartet. Commencing on Friday 26th September and continuing on the last Friday in October and November, the series presented by the RTÉ Contempo Quartet and will feature performances by a number of special guest composers including fiddler Zoë Conway, accordionist Dermot Dunne and poet Joan McBreen.

Michael McHale is one of the leading Irish pianists of his generation

Brid Quinn of the Limerick Arts Office said: “Our 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 two venues that are both intimate and local.”

Castleconnell 2014 Autumn Concerts Series programme at the All Saints’ Church (tickets €15 available at the door prior to each performance, €10 concession):

Tuesday 30th September, 8pm – The award-winning Chatham Saxophone Quartet perform an eclectic repertoire spanning contemporary, classical and jazz genres. Performing Phil Woods (Saxophone Quartet mvt 1); Philip Glass (Concerto for Saxophone Quartet mvts 1 & 4 ); Ian Wilson (So Softly); Brian Byrne (Saxophone Quartet No. 1); Jacob TV (Body of Your Dreams); Mark Mellits (Groove Machine); Ian Wilson (Heaven Lay Close); Webern (Langsamer Satz) and Michael Nyman (Songs for Tony).
Tuesday 28th October, 8pm – Belfast-born Michael McHale, who has established himself as one of the leading Irish pianists of his generation. Performing Franz Schubert (Four Impromptus Op.90 I. C minor II. E flat major III. G flat major IV. A flat major); Traditional: (arr. McHale); Debussy (Estampes II. La soirée dans Grenade III. Jardins sous la pluie); and Mussorgsky (Pictures at an Exhibition).
Thursday 20th November at 8pm – German native Leonard Elschenbroich, one of the most charismatic cellists of his generation presents masterpieces from the solo cello repertoire. Performing Bach (Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007); Hindemith (Solo Sonata, Op. 25, No. 3); Piatti (12 Caprices, Op. 25) Tavener (Threnos); and Lombardi (Essay 3).

Part of the RTÉ Contempo Quartet is award-winning German cellist Leonard Elschenbroich

Autumn Lunchtime Concert Series 2014 at The Granary, Michael St, Limerick:

Friday September 26th, 1pm – Free entry
Joseph Haydn: “Rider” string quartet
Guest Artist: Zoë Conway on fiddle

Friday October 31st at 1pm – Free entry
Joseph Haydn: “Sunrise” string quartet
Astor Piazzola: Tango sensations for accordion & string quartet
Guest artist: Dermot Dunne on accordion

Friday November 28th at 1pm – Free entry
Joseph Haydn: “Birds” string quartet
Poetry readings from “Mountain Ash in Connemara” album by Joan McBreen
Irish Airs arranged for string quartet by Glen Austin
Guest artist Joan McBreen, poet

For more information check the Limerick Arts Office Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter: @LimerickArtsOff or send an email to [email protected]