West Cork Chamber Music Festival

Concert Series 2024

Ficino Ensemble & Finghin Collins

Friday 2 Febuary 7.30pm St Brendan's Church, Bantry Programme: Mozart's Divertimento K. 563 for String Trio Deirdre McKay's Between for Bass clarinet and cello Penderecki's Sextet The acclaimed chamber group Ficino Ensemble presents a musical odyssey, performing rarely heard music by Mozart, McKay and Penderecki. Mozart’s noble and epic Divertimento for String Trio and Irish composer Deirdre McKay’s atmospheric Between will set the stage for the dynamic and evocative Sextet by the late Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki for which the ensemble will be joined by pianist Finghin Collins. Composer Deirdre McKay talks to Mary Dullea of Chamber Music Valentia about themes relevant to her work, her inspirations and processes as well as future plans. Book now

Ortús Festival Concert Mairéad Hickey & Ella van Poucke 

Sunday 25 Febuary 3pm St Brendan's Church, Bantry Programme: Bach's Cello suite No. 4 in E flat major Gliere's 8 Morceaux Telemann's Violin Fantasia No.1 in B flat major Ravel's Duo for violin and cello This concert is presented in association with Ortús Festival West Cork Music is delighted to present with Ortús Festival a concert featuring Mairéad Hickey on violin and Ella van Poucke on cello who will delight you with a breathtaking repertoire of Bach, Glière, Telemann and Ravel. Celebrated Irish violinist and Co-Artistic Director  Mairéad Hickey is acclaimed for her captivating expression, soaring tone and fearless virtuosity. Her natural ability to communicate sincerely, with beauty and integrity, entrances audiences worldwide.  Amsterdam-born Ella van Poucke is one of the leading cellists of her generation. Praised for her musical integrity, flawless instrumental abilities as well as her performing presence and intensity, the Dutch cellist belongs to the top rank of today’s generation of cellists.  A glimpse into my world: Violinist Mairéad Hickey Ella van Poucke performs Bach's Cello Suite No. 2 'Sarabande'  Book Now

The Goldberg Variations Henning Kraggerud & Irish Chamber Orchestra

Friday 8 March 7.30pm St Brendan's Church, Bantry Programme: JS Bach's Goldberg Variation (arr.Henning Kraggerud) Whether you’re a newcomer to Bach, or a die-hard fan, this is the perfect place to experience the endlessly fascinating, inventive little masterpieces that form the Goldberg Variations. Before the interval, Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud will talk us through his acclaimed arrangement for strings, before performing the stirring, beautiful, dance-like whole alongside the Irish Chamber Orchestra. Be amazed as he tackles the brilliance of Bach. Hear the Goldberg Variations arranged for strings like never before, as Henning puts his own stamp on this iconic work. A lesson in wonder, tragedy turns to comedy, energetic and joyful scales celebrate the basics of music. We know Henning’s brilliant and refreshing view will spread the magic of these brilliant works into another unexpected place. Henning Kraggerud and the Arctic Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra performing the Aria from J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations in Sweden on 2017. Book Now