From the Irish harpers of the 17th century to the court musicians of Europe, with a stop in a medieval alehouse or two, the Galway Early Music Festival, May 17th - 20th, works its musical magic once again. This year's festival looks at what happens when popular culture and high art meet and mingle: when tunes played at a peasant's wedding find their way into the music played at a castle feast, when hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes become the fashion at a court and when baroque harp becomes the instrument of the people.
Galway’s own Cois Cladaigh Chamber Choir will be among the attractions in this year’s Galway Early Music Festival.
Cois Cladaigh, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is a perfect act for the Early Music Festival, as it specialises in European music from the late 15th and early 16th centuries, while also performing a formidable repertoire of contemporary choral music.
French musician Francois Lazarevitch will continue the theme with 1000 years of Bagpipe in France on Friday, May 18 at 1pm in The Chapel of the Poor Clares. That musical extravaganza will showcase the bagpipe in all its diversity and outline the role it has played in France’s musical and cultural heritage.
Other musical highlights include Les Musicians de Saint Julien and Francois Lazarevitch as they perform Le Berger Poet / The Shepherd Poet at St Nicholas Collegiate Church at 8.30pm. This will feature a selection of French pastoral music of the 18 century and intimate pieces for flute, musette and hurdy-gurdy.
A foot tapping weekend of simple melody and complex harmony in the liveliest medieval town in Europe!
In brief, the Highlights of the festival will include:
- Cois Claddagh
- Vocal Harmony: Motets, Madrigals & Villancicos
- 1000 years of Bagpipes in France
- Le Berger poete / The Shepherd Poet
- Renaissance & French Traditional Dance Workshop
- Historical Music of Scotland: Bagpipes & Triple Pipes
- The Music of Ancient Ireland
- Interlace & the Otherworld
Enjoy concerts, film, family and free events and workshops in the lively medieval centre of Galway, the gateway to Connemara and the Burren.
Further Information: www.galwayearlymusic.com
