The Drogheda Classical Music completed its 2023 offering in considerable style last Friday, 8 December, with some sublime music from three of Ireland’s leading international musicians!
Celebrated Clarinettists John Finucane and Jessie Grimes joined acclaimed pianist Finghin Collins for a sumptuous concert of duos and trios including Schumann’s collection of fantasies which were full of humour, emotional intensity and not least, pianistic elegance.
Described by Gramophone magazine as ‘an outstanding virtuoso’, on the release of his CD “Clarinet Variations,” John Finucane has been Principal Clarinet with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra since 1995.
Jessie Grimes is a multiple prize-winner; alongside the 2021 RPS Enterprise Award, she has won competitions including the Royal Overseas League and St Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber Music Competitions.
Wonderfully, this concert was John and Jessie’s Drogheda Classical Music début! Collaborating with them was one of Ireland’s most successful and accomplished pianists and a great friend of the series here in Drogheda, Finghin Collins.
After an interesting pre-concert chat with Jessie Grimes and Drogheda Classical Music’s Artistic Administrator Dr Gavan Ring during which the pair spoke at length about the fascinating creative process for artists, the musicians took to the stage for an evening book-ended by some incredible mini-conertos by Mendelssohn.
In what was a feast for the ears, the artists effortlessly combined for duos and trios in works by Clara Schumann, Francis Poulenc and some terrific new works by Libby Larsen and our very own Anne-Marie O’Farrell to name but a few. Clearly enthralled, the audience were quick to their feet at the end of the concert for a rousing standing ovation for the artists!
The Drogheda Classical Music series opens the new year on 19 January with a terrifically-exciting concert from Finnish-Dutch cellist and rising star, Jonathan Roozeman and his duo partner, Varvara Nepomnyashchaya who has quickly established a remarkable musical reputation by performing with many of world’s most prestigious orchestras. For this Drogheda exclusive concert, they perform a programme of thrilling works including Damstrom’s short, virtuosic Aveo written for Jonathan Roozeman.
Tickets for Jonathan Roozeman and Varvara Nepomnyaschaya are €20 (€18 conc.) and are available to purchase over the phone by calling 041 9833946 or in person at the Droichead Arts Centre or by visiting www.droghedaclassicalmusic.com/january
There is also an under-18s ticket rate of €5 and a student rate of €10 (valid student ID essential) which can be purchased at St Peters Church of Ireland on the evening of performances, subject to availability.
