Huge congratulations are due to Pauline Ashwood and everyone else involved in the Drogheda Classical Music Series which is now in its tenth year of bringing world class musicians to Drogheda.
Since its first concert in October 2012 they have attracted top names in the music world to Drogheda including Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Angela Hewitt, Alina Ibragimova, Cédric Tiberghien, Johannes Moser, Tara Erraught and Finghin Collins.
It is the only series of its kind across the entire North East and it says a lot about the hard work and dedication of Pauline and her team that the intimate concert experience they have created utilising the wonderful ambience of St Peter’s Church of Ireland, has become a “must play” venue among many of the world’s top performers.
Now that Covid restrictions are easing Drogheda Classical Music continues with its live and in-person concerts and their spring 2022 season shines a light on core works within the chamber music repertoire.
“Thankfully the 8pm curfew has been lifted; however, to ensure everyone’s safety, we will continue to keep numbers below the maximum permitted, even for the first few concerts until we see how it all goes” Pauline told Drogheda Life.
“While it has been wonderful to have had so many Irish-based or born musicians fill the series since the beginning of the pandemic, it is exciting to welcome the international artists back too.”
Beginning on Friday 4 February at 7:30pm, pianist Dénes Várjon will perform a programme of Bach, Mozart and Chopin in St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda. His sensational technique, deep musicality, wide range of interest have made Dénes Várjon one of the most exciting and highly regarded participants of international musical life. He is a universal musician: excellent soloist, first-class chamber musician, artistic leader of festivals, highly sought–after piano pedagogue.
On Friday 25 March at 7:30pm, Musici Ireland presents a concert of works for 4 voices and four hands featuring pianists Lance Coburn and Soo Jung Ann, Rachel Croash soprano, Sharon Carty mezzo soprano, Gavan Ring tenor and Rory Musgrave baritone. Performing familiar works by Schubert including his F minor piano duet, a selection of humorous songs by Liza Lehmann the concert ends with Brahms’ love song waltzes for all six musicians.
Pianist Julius Drake is joined by Beth Taylor mezzo-soprano & Timothy Ridout viola for a concert of Brahms and Schumann on Thursday 7 April at 7:30pm. Julius Drake enjoys an international reputation as one of the finest instrumentalists in his field, collaborating with many of the world’s leading artists, both in recital and on disc. The New Yorker has described him as the “collaborative pianist nonpareil”. Scottish mezzo Beth Taylor is a rising star lauded for her “strong presence both dramatically and musically” while Timothy Ridout is a BBC New Generation Artist since 2019 at the forefront of young European soloists.
Given the recent closures and lockdowns, the spring season will extend to May to accommodate rescheduled concerts. On Saturday 14 May at 7:30pm cellist Johannes Moser makes a welcome return to Drogheda, joined by his trio partners Vadim Gluzman violin and Yevgeny Sudbin piano for a genuine starry line up. Performing Shostakovich’s two very contrasting piano trios along with Schubert’s mammoth first piano trio and Arvo Pärt’s sorrowful Mozart Adagio, this is sure to be a season finale to remember.
All concerts take place in St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda and will follow and adhere to Government guidelines on Covid-19. Tickets are €20 and can be booked through Droichead Arts Centre on 041 9833946 or www.droichead.com with further information available from www.droghedaclassicalmusic.com
The Series is funded by the Arts Council and Louth County Council and run in partnership with Droichead Arts Centre with sponsorship from the d Hotel and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.
For full details of this season’s concerts and to purchase tickets see droghedaclassicalmusic.com
