West Wicklow Music Festival
Following the huge success of the inaugural Festival in 2017, tickets are now on sale for the 2nd edition of the West Wicklow Festival. Taking place from 17th – 20th May 2018, the Festival will feature a host of international and Irish talent with concerts of classical chamber music being held at Russborough House and St. Mary’s Church in Blessington.
The 2018 Festival Programme features internationally acclaimed clarinet virtuoso, Julian Bliss; principal cellist of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Philip Higham; the award-winning Benyounes Quartet; renowned Irish baritone, Gavan Ring; and the Festival’s Founder and Artistic Director, Irish pianist Fiachra Garvey.
“I’m proud to welcome dear friends and wonderful artists to the Festival this year for a full-bodied and energetic programme of truly wonderful works of music. Debussy’s music will feature throughout the Festival in honour of the centenary of his death, along with many other musical highlights including a free Family Concert at Russborough delivered in partnership with the National Concert Hall” – Fiachra Garvey, Founder & Artistic Director
This year, the Festival boasts an expanded programme of events with twice as many concerts as last year, more artists and the introduction of a new venue, the historic St. Mary’s Church in Blessington. Musical highlights include a late-night performance of Bach’s solo Cello Suites, Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet in B minor and a song recital by Irish baritone Gavan Ring, accompanied by Fiachra Garvey.
Delivered in partnership with the National Concert Hall, there will also be an innovative programme of interactive musical activities for children followed by a fun-filled Family Concert. Explore Russborough’s beautiful gardens, the intricate hedge Maze and the magical Lady’s Island and watch out for live musicians along the way!
Founded in 2017 by award-winning Wicklow pianist Fiachra Garvey, the West Wicklow Festival was established in order to promote the beautiful area of West Wicklow by staging an annual festival featuring some of the world’s premiere artists, with a healthy Irish offering. The inaugural West Wicklow Festival featured 3 sold out concerts in the stunning Russborough House, one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in Ireland. Guests are invited to enjoy the intricate beauty of Russborough House in addition to experiencing some of the world’s finest musicians in this uniquely intimate setting.
For further information about the West Wicklow Festival and to book your tickets, please visit westwicklowfestival.com.
