MUSIC FOR GALWAY PRESENTS

Cellissimo
2024
A new international cello festival
on the edge of Europe

18–26 MAY 2024

Music for Galway, University of Galway, cellissimo.ie #CellissimoIRL
102 Riverside Terrapin, Distillery Road,
Lower Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland
P: +353 91 705962
E: info@musicforgalway.ie
W: musicforgalway.ie
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AT A GLANCE CELLISSIMO 2024 PROGRAMME

SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

18 MAY 19 MAY 20 MAY 21 MAY 22 MAY 23 MAY 24 MAY 25 MAY 26 MAY
9AM–1PM 9AM – 12 NOON 9AM – 12 NOON 9AM – 12 NOON 9AM – 12 NOON 9AM – 12 NOON 11AM 8AM
Masterclass 1: Masterclass 3: Masterclass 5: Masterclass 7: Masterclass 8: Songs of Travel: Inishbofin
Alban Gerhardt Minding Creative Jakob Koranyi Natalie Clein Adrian Mantu Evaluation Event Cello Trail
Nun’s Island Theatre Minds, wellness Nun’s Island Nun’s Island Theatre Nun’s Island Theatre Siobhan McKenna Inishbofin
session Theatre Theatre
Nun’s Island Theatre 10AM & 12 NOON 10AM & 12 NOON
10AM The Songs of The Songs of the Trees
10AM & 12 NOON The Songs of the Trees Town Hall Theatre
The Songs of the the Trees Town Hall Theatre
Trees Town Hall
Town Hall Theatre Theatre

1–2PM 1PM 1PM 1PM 1PM 1PM 1PM 1PM

Galway Bay  ach Plus 1:
B  ach Plus 2:
B  ach Plus 3: Jane
B  ach Plus 4:
B  ach Plus 5:
B  ach Plus 6:
B
is Calling Camille Thomas Alban Gerhardt Cords-O’Hara Adrian Mantu Natalie Clein Killian White
Leisureland St Nicholas Church St Nicholas Church St Nicholas Church St Nicholas Church St Nicholas Church St Nicholas Church

2–7PM 2PM 2–5PM 2–5PM 2–5PM 5.30PM 5.30PM 3PM

Songs of Travel:  asterclass 2:
M  asterclass 4:
M Masterclass 6:  lassic Hour
C Student Showcase Film: “Living the
Interactive Camille Thomas Jane Cords-O’Hara William Butt Town Hall The- Concert Tradition”
Comic Premiere Nun’s Island Theatre Nun’s Island Theatre Nun’s Island Theatre atre Town Hall Theatre Nun’s Island
Black Box Theatre
5.30PM 2.30PM 6PM 6.30PM
 lassic Hour
C  ach Plus 2:
B The Songs of the  ach Plus 5:
B 4PM
Town Hall Theatre William Butt Trees Natalie Clein  ach Plus 6:
B
Ballynahinch Castle Town Hall Theatre Lady Gregory Killian White
6.30PM Hotel, Gor Claregalway
 ach Plus 1:
B 5.30PM 6PM Castle
Jakob Koranyi Classic Hour  ach Plus 3: Jane
B
Campbell’s Tavern, Town Hall Theatre Cords-O’Hara
Headford Kilcummin Church,
Oughterard

7–10PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 7PM 8PM 7PM

The The Story Cellissimo Songs of Travel: Songs of  ach Plus 4:
B Nicolas Altstaedt Cellissimo
Journey of a Cello Ambassador Every Minute Travel: Voyage Adrian Mantu & Friends Spectacular
Begins Black Box Evening Opens Doors Town Hall Theatre Clarin College, Athenry Town Hall Theatre Leisureland
Leisureland Town Hall Theatre Town Hall Theatre
8PM 8PM
NSO with Songs of Travel:
Eimear Noone Pack Your Bags
Leisureland Town Hall Theatre

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FIND OUR FESTIVAL VENUES

Galway City
4
1 Town Hall Theatre
1 Courthouse Square
2 St. Nicholas’
Collegiate Church
Lombard St 5 1
3 Leisureland 2
Upper Salthill Rd
4 Black Box Theatre
Dyke Rd
5 Nun’s Island
Theatre

8 7
9

12
11

10 RTÉ supports more than

Galway County 150 arts events nationwide
6 Inishbofin 10 Lady Gregory Hotel, Gort every year.
7 Campbell’s Tavern, Headford 11 Clarin College, Athenry
8 Ballynahinch Castle Hotel 12 Claregalway Castle
9 Kilcummin Church, Oughterard
rte.ie/about/supportingthearts
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WELCOME FROM ANNA LARDI WELCOME FROM FINGHIN COLLINS

Good things come to those who wait... Celebrating the cello

We have been waiting (very actively) noticed that in all five migrant stories It gives me huge pleasure to unveil the
for this moment, and I am delighted that are told in the game, waiting programme for Cellissimo 2024, the fruit
to be writing these lines of welcome is such a big part – waiting for the of many years’ labour! We have brought
to Cellissimo 2024. Waiting has now passport to arrive, waiting for the together a rich array of the finest cellists,
become a motif throughout Cellissimo. opportunity to flee, waiting for news composers and other artists and thinkers
We have been waiting for nearly four from loved ones, waiting for their to celebrate the cello in the most wide
years to present this exciting festival status to be confirmed... and inclusive way. We are delighted
for real in Galway - waiting for answers Good things come to those who wait in particular to welcome the National
from sponsors, funders, artists... – we have been blessed with what has Symphony Orchestra to perform
It has been possible to make Cellissimo come our way in terms of funding, two very contrasting programmes,
2024 a festival of such heft thanks to sponsorship, support (please note the presenting Galway-born conductor,
its important strand, Songs of Travel, funders page 36), artistic partnerships, composer and Music for Galway Laoch
a Creative Europe Cooperation Project team members, and the most wonderful Ceoil, Eimear Noone in her Galway début. concert. Together with Branar, we have
principally co-funded by Europe and the artists who are making their way to The Irish Chamber Orchestra join with commissioned a new theatre piece for
Arts Council. With our three partner Galway (many of them by land and sea!). French sensation Camille Thomas to tell children exploring the concept of home
festivals (Fairplay Chamber Music, the story of a very special Stradivarius. and how music can realise it. Above all
I would like to thank all in Music for We are very proud to present six newly the festival is a showcase of Galway
Sweden; Valdres Sommersymfoni, Galway, especially the Board, our
Norway; Piano Biënnale, Netherlands) commissioned cello pieces by six Irish city and county, with concerts around
artistic director Finghin Collins, and composers to accompany the six Bach the region, a cello trail to Inishbofin,
and the fourth partner, the boutique programme administrator Suzanne
gaming company Causa Creations cello suites, performed in both city and nightly trad sessions curated by
Black, for staying the course. and county. Galway musician Michael Chang. A new
(Austria), we are aiming to present
co-commissioned music in such a way We are proud to present a beautiful Our Songs of Travel strand, at the core Cellissimo Ambassador will take over the
as to increase empathy in all of us and diverse programme in Cellissimo of our festival, shines light on migration, Galway Cello for a further three years.
towards two burning issues of our time: 2024. Some of it certainly seeks sustainability and environmental The climax of the festival comes with
climate change and migration. Both of to entertain but some also aims to issues, and also features five newly- our Cellissimo Spectacular, where cellists
these issues do need attention from all challenge, inspire and influence. commissioned works all including the from far and wide, young and not so
of us. Waiting in this case is no longer We look forward to welcoming you on cello in various shapes and forms. The young, can join in and feel the passion.
an option – we all have a responsibility opening day, May 18th, when the wait core classical repertoire is the focus We’ve had huge pleasure putting the
to act. will truly be over! of our “Classic Hour” concerts as well programme together. How ever you
By coincidence, Elaine Agnew, the Anna Lardi, CEO Music for Galway as our “Nicolas Altstaedt and Friends” have travelled to us, wherever you have
composer of the soundtrack to our chamber concert. come from, we hope that you will be
interactive motion comic (a video game We welcome eight outstanding young entertained, challenged and stimulated
of sorts) Songs of Travel, has decided cellists to Galway for the International by what you hear.
to call the concertante version of the Student Programme with masterclasses, Finghin Collins, Artistic Director,
score ‘Waiting’. This is because she pop-up concerts and a showcase Music for Galway / Cellissimo
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SONGS OF TRAVEL SONGS OF TRAVEL

Songs of Travel
Four international festivals from
Ireland (Cellissimo), Sweden (Fairplay
Chamber Music), Norway (Valdres
Sommersymfoni), and the Netherlands
(Piano Biënnale) have teamed up
with Causa Creations, an Austrian
game development studio, for Songs
of Travel. Conceived by Music for
Galway’s CEO Anna Lardi, and led by
MfG, Songs of Travel (SOT) is a three- model; to influence people’s attitudes
year transnational Creative Europe to climate change and migration
Songs of Travel partners at our first Anna Lardi, CEO and Finghin Collins,
Cooperation Project that aims to raise through the presentation of music,
and only in-person meeting, Hamburg, Artistic Director, Music for Galway,
awareness and foster empathy for in combination with festival talks and
Germany, February 2023. We all slow- slow travelling to Hamburg via the
climate change and migration through workshops, our education package,
travelled to Hamburg (great fun!). All Eurostar!
music. It also strives to develop and and our interactive motion comic; to
other partner meetings are held online.
implement a sustainable operational inspire discourse and motivation; and
model for specialised music festivals to make a real and lasting impact! It
while improving access to, and is envisioned that Songs of Travel will
circulation of, contemporary classical live on long after the Project officially
music. The outputs from the Project will ends through sustained change and an
be five musical scores, four SOT festival ongoing ripple effect.
strands, an interactive motion comic, an For more information, visit the
education resource, green guidelines Song of Travel website
for specialised music festivals, and www.songsoftravel.eu
a report on sustainability research
developed with research partner Contact the SOT Project
University of Galway. Coordinator Valerie Parker
at sot@musicforgalway.ie
Music for Galway is thrilled to lead
this project that focusses on two
urgent inextricably-linked issues,
climate change and migration. We and
our Partner festivals aim to lead by
example: to inspire other specialised
music festivals to adopt a sustainable

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SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024 SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024

Galway Bay is Calling The Journey Begins

SATURDAY 18 MAY, 1PM Tickets:
Standard €10
SATURDAY 18 MAY, 8PM Tickets: Premium €40 | Standard €30
LEISURELAND Social Inclusion €5 LEISURELAND Concession €27 | Social Inclusion €15

Galway Jam Circle Mary Robinson, speaker

Voice of Galway National Symphony Orchestra
Galway Camerata Martyn Brabbins, conductor
Naomi Berrill, cello/composer Alban Gerhardt, cello
Matthew Berrill, conductor Jakob Koranyi, cello
Finghin Collins, piano
Galway Bay is Calling is a collaborative
community project that Music for Djuro Zivkovic Concerto for piano and
Galway (and Cellissimo 2024) is cello (world premiere)
running in partnership with the Galway
their impressions and sounds inspired Mary Robinson Keynote Address on orchestra, performed by Swedish
Atlantaquaria (GA) and ATU. It involves
by the workshops. For this, the first Climate Justice cellist Jakob Koranyi and our very
three community music groups, three
event of Cellissimo, you will hear the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2 own artistic director Finghin Collins.
marine specialists (Garry Kendellen, Dr.
ensembles perform on their own before Former President of Ireland and Chair
Maria Vittoria Marra, Dr. João Frias) and Mendelssohn Calm Sea and
they come together to premiere the of the Elders Mary Robinson will give
one cellist/composer (Naomi Berrill). Prosperous Voyage
outcome of their collaborartive work: A an address on climate justice while
The project is about informing the Cello Concerto for Mixed Bag Orchestra. conductor Martyn Brabbins will wrap
Join the National Symphony Orchestra
participants about marine life, about up proceedings with Mendelssohn’s
This is a project funded through the and a star-studded cast for the
Galway Bay, and to get them to reflect “Calm Seas and Prosperous Voyage”.
Creative Climate Action Fund, an opening concert of Cellissimo 2024 in
about how we influence the ocean and
initiative that is managed by Creative Leisureland, a concert which also sits at
how it influences us. Over a series of
Ireland. This project is funded through the heart of the Songs of Travel strand.
workshops, the participants learned
the Spark Stream, by the Department The outstanding German cellist Alban
what they can do to mitigate stresses on
of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Gerhardt will interpret Shostakovich’s
our beloved bay and on the oceans of
Sport and Media and the Department momentous Second Cello Concerto
the world.
of the Environment, Climate and and we will also hear the world
Following this activity, Headford born Communication. premiere of a brand-new concerto
and Florence resident cellist, singer by Djuro Zivkovic for cello, piano and
and composer Naomi Berrill visited
ensembles in rehearsal. She talked to
them, played with them and gathered songsoftravel.eu #SongsOfTravel
Co-funded by the European Union
10 11
SUNDAY 19 MAY 2024 SUNDAY 19 MAY 2024

Songs of Travel: The Story of a Cello

Interactive Comic Premiere SUNDAY 19 MAY, 8PM Tickets:
Premium €40 | Standard €30
SUNDAY 19 MAY, 2PM BLACK BOX THEATRE Concession €27 | Social Inclusion €15

BLACK BOX THEATRE Tickets: Standard €20 | Social Inclusion €10

Irish Chamber Orchestra
Katherine Hunka, director
Daria van den Bercken, piano
Camille Thomas, cello
Bogdan Sofei, violin
Jakob Koranyi, cello Sibelius Andante Festivo
Macdara Ó Seireadáin, clarinet CPE Bach Cello Concerto in A minor
Alex Petcu, percussion WQ170
Anna Lardi, gamer Chopin (arr. Franchomme)
Funeral March
Songs of Travel – world premiere of the Raindrop Prelude
game with live music by Elaine Agnew you will explore the journeys of Light, Franchomme Air Russe Varié
Van, Michele, Hasan, and Olga.
Panel discussion about SOT stories Grieg Holberg Suite
Elaine Agnew Waiting At this event, we are presenting the
motion comic to the public for the French cellist Camille Thomas is in
Composing for Games – interview with
first time. It is a central element of the demand all over the world, enchanting
Elaine Agnew
‘Songs of Travel’ project, which has audiences with her flawless technique
More than just a game, ‘Songs of been funded by an EU Creative Europe and deeply passionate playing.
Travel’ is an interactive motion comic grant. The game was developed by our
For her debut concert with the Irish
that follows the stories of five real partners, Causa Creations in Vienna,
Chamber Orchestra she will not only The ICO, directed by their effervescent
people who, for various reasons, had and features music composed by Elaine
perform a concerto by the visionary leader Katherine Hunka, open and close
to leave their homes in search of new Agnew from County Antrim.
composer Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach the concert with popular works by
ones. Narrated by Jack, a young man (fifth son of JS Bach) but she will also Sibelius and Grieg. Come and discover
who was forced to leave Syria in 2014 perform music by the little-known this game for yourselves and hear the
and is now collaborating with the Romantic French composer August beautiful score performed live!
company that developed this comic, Franchomme, whose Stradivarius cello
she has inherited.

songsoftravel.eu #SongsOfTravel
Co-funded by the European Union
Sponsored by Optique Opticians
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20–24 MAY 2024 MONDAY 20 MAY 2024

International Student Programme – Bach Plus Series

Masterclasses A Tale of Sixes! Just as the six monumental Bach Cello Suites form the core of the
entire solo cello repertoire, the Bach Plus Series forms the core of Cellissimo. Each
Cellissimo 2024 includes an International Student Programme (ISP) that will day at 1.00pm, starting on Monday 20th May, we present a different cellist in the
take place in Galway city from 20 to 24 May 2024. Eight recent graduates heart of Galway, in the historic setting of St Nicholas Collegiate Church. Six days, six
from across Europe will take part in the Masterclasses, have the opportunity suites, six cellists.
to perform pop-up concerts in Galway and also take part in the Cellissimo
But that is not all. Music for Galway has commissioned six new solo cello works from
Spectacular concert and the student showcase concert.
six different Irish composers, one of which will be premiered each day alongside its
The masterclasses will take place at Nun’s Island Theatre and be accompanied partner suite. Each programme is repeated later the same day in a different venue
by pianist Dearbhla Brosnan. The masterclasses are FREE to attend. in County Galway, sometimes with a different cellist. The series features a generous
mix of Irish and International cellists and promises to bring moments of intimacy,
grace and joy to those who attend.

Sponsored by Tigh Neachtain

Bach Plus 1
20 MAY, 9AM–12PM 20 MAY, 2–5PM 21 MAY, 9AM–12PM
Alban Gerhardt Camille Thomas Minding Creative Minds,
wellness session
MONDAY 20 MAY

21 MAY, 2–5PM 22 MAY, 9AM–12PM 22 MAY, 2–5PM

Jane Cords-O’Hara Jakob Koranyi William Butt
Camille Thomas, cello Jakob Koranyi, cello
ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH, CAMPBELL’S TAVERN, HEADFORD,
1–1.45PM 6.30–7.15PM
Tickets: Standard €15 Tickets: Standard €10
Concession €13.50 | Social Inclusion €7.50 Concession €5 | Social Inclusion €5

23 MAY, 9AM–12PM 24 MAY, 9AM–12PM Bach Suite No. 1 in G major BWV 1007 Bach Suite No. 1 in G major BWV 1007
Donnacha Dennehy “Unfurling” Donnacha Dennehy “Unfurling”
Natalie Clein Adrian Mantu
(world premiere)
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MONDAY 20 MAY 2024 MONDAY 20 MAY 2024

Classic Hour with Alban Gerhardt Cellissimo Ambassador Evening

& Hugh Tinney MONDAY 20 MAY, 8PM Tickets:
Premium €30 | Standard €15
MONDAY 20 MAY, 5.30PM Tickets: TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €13.50 | Social Inclusion €7.50
Premium €30 | Standard €20
TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €18 | Social Inclusion €10
Catherine Cotter, cello
Finghin Collins, piano
Alban Gerhardt, cello
Hugh Tinney, piano Carl Maria von Weber Adagio and Rondo
Fauré Papillon
Debussy Sonata
Shostakovich Sonata for cello and piano
Prokofiev Sonata in C major Op. 119
Beethoven Sonata in A major Op. 69 The Cellissimo Ambassador programme
grew out of a special project – the
German star cellist Alban Gerhardt and Galway Cello. This is an instrument that
legendary Irish pianist Hugh Tinney was commissioned for the first edition
team up for a programme of classic of Cellissimo based on a concept by
duos for cello and piano. Philip Fogarty. Luthier Kuros Torkzadeh
had the brief to fashion an instrument
out of timbers that had grown in Co.
Galway. Not only did the instrument
turn out to be beautiful visually, with
its scroll in the distinctive shape of a with Music for Galway CEO Anna Lardi of
Claddagh Ring, but it has also developed her experiences with the Galway Cello
a rich tone which is admired and enjoyed over the past three years and performs
by a growing number of cellists. In order with Artistic Director Finghin Collins.
to give this instrument its deserved life, We also select the next Cellissimo
the Cellissimo Ambassador programme Ambassador with three finalists
was devised. performing live auditions (accompanied
We spend this evening with Mullingar by Dearbhla Brosnan) and at the end of
cellist Catherine Cotter, our first the evening the cello is handed over.
Cellissimo Ambassador. Catherine speaks

Sponsored by Techrete
The Galway Cello is sponsored by MJ Conroy
16 17
21–24 MAY 2024 TUESDAY 21 MAY 2024

Branar and Music for Galway present: Bach Plus 2

The Song of The Trees TUESDAY 21 MAY
Tickets:
TOWN HALL THEATRE Standard €12 | Social Inclusion €6

Little John Nee, narrator

Neil Martin, cello
The show will be approximately
45 minutes long. Suitable for
audiences aged 8 upwards.

School shows:
Tuesday 21 May, 10am
Tuesday 21 May, 12 noon

Image credit Maeve Clancy

Wednesday 22 May, 10am Alban Gerhardt, cello William Butt, cello
Thursday 23 May, 10am
Thursday 23 May, 12 noon
ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH, BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE,
Friday 24 May, 10am 1–1.45PM 2.30PM–3.15PM
Friday 24 May, 12 noon Tickets: Standard €15 Tickets: Standard €12
Public show: Concession €13.50 | Social Inclusion €7.50 Concession €10 | Social Inclusion €10
The Song of the Trees is a new and
Wednesday 22 May, 6pm
original performance piece combining Bach Suite No. 2 in D minor BWV 1008 Bach Suite No. 2 in D minor BWV 1008
Directed by Marc MacLochlainn. live music and storytelling directed by Garth Knox The Little Galway Bay Suite Garth Knox The Little Galway Bay Suite
In his dusty workshop the cello maker Marc MacLochlainn who devised the (world premiere)
seeks the voice inside the wood as piece with the performers, celebrated
he carefully carves the timber. He cellist Neil Martin and the legendary
patiently plies his tools sharing magical Little John Nee. Original score
stories of his ancient craft with his composed by Neil Martin.
musician friend. Ebony from Africa, This is a co-production between Branar
maple from Romania and pine from the and Music for Galway commissioned
hills of Italy, each piece of wood carries for Cellissimo.
the song of its home. His friend shares
For school bookings contact:
music from each land as they both
info@musicforgalway.ie | 091 705962
search for the song of the trees

Supported by the AIB Community Fund

18 19
TUESDAY 21 MAY 2024 TUESDAY 21 MAY 2024

Classic Hour with Killian White Songs of Travel:

& Daria van den Bercken Every Minute Opens Doors
TUESDAY 21 MAY, 5.30PM Tickets:
Premium €30 | Standard €20
TUESDAY 21 MAY, 8PM Tickets: Premium €30 | Standard €20
TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €18 | Social Inclusion €10 TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €18 | Social Inclusion €10

Killian White, cello Adedotun Adekeye, speaker

Daria van den Bercken, piano Rachel Croash, soprano
Jakob Koranyi, cello
Beethoven Variations on a Theme
from “The Magic Flute”
Bogdan Sofei, violin
Boccherini Rondo
Finghin Collins, piano
Schumann Adagio and Allegro Op. 70 Lasse Thoresen Every Minute Opens
Ravel Habanera Doors (world premiere)
Chopin Introduction and Polonaise Adedotun Adekeye Keynote Address on
Brillante Migration
Tchaikovsky October Beethoven Irish Folk Song arrangements
Paganini Moses Variations
This concert, part of our Songs of
Rising star Irish cellist Killian White Travel project, seeks to increase
is joined by the charismatic Dutch awareness and empathy towards those We also hear from Galway resident
pianist Daria van den Bercken for a people who have to leave their native Adedotun Adekeye about his
programme of short favourites for countries due to war, climate change or experiences as he migrated to
cello and piano. other issues. The programme includes Ireland with his family sixteen years
the world premiere of a new chamber ago. A selection of Irish folk song
work by Lasse Thoresen for piano arrangements by Beethoven on the
trio and voice which shines a light on theme of travel and homesickness
the experiences of people in asylum rounds off this varied programme.
centres around Europe and is the result
of a visit by the composer to two such
centres in Norway.

songsoftravel.eu #SongsOfTravel
Co-funded by the European Union
20 21
WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2024 WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2024

Bach Plus 3 National Symphony Orchestra

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY with Eimear Noone
WEDNESDAY 22 MAY, 8PM Tickets:
Premium €40 | Standard €30
Jane Cords-O’Hara, cello LEISURELAND Concession €27 | Social Inclusion €15
Bach Suite No. 3 in C major BWV 1009
Kevin O’Connell Frammento (world National Symphony Orchestra
premiere)
Eimear Noone, conductor
ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH, Adrian Mantu, cello
1–1.45PM
Tan Dun Crouching Tiger Cello Concerto
Tickets: Standard €15
Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor Op. 85,
Concession €13.50 | Social Inclusion €7.50
first movement

KILCUMMIN CHURCH, OUGHTERARD, Eimear Noone and Craig Stuart

Garfinkle The Canterville Ghost Suite
6–6.45PM
Austin Wintory Nascence & Apotheosis
Tickets: Standard €12 from “Journey” the ConTempo Quartet. Featuring
Concession €10 | Social Inclusion €10
Eimear Noone and Craig Stuart sweeping scores from critically
Garfinkle “Malach” from World of acclaimed films such as Crouching
Warcraft Tiger Hidden Dragon, August Rush, and
Further programme details to be Eimear’s own The Canterville Ghost,
announced as well as world premieres of Eimear’s
upcoming works, this promises to be an
We are so proud to present the Galway unforgettable concert by the National
debut of one of Galway’s greatest Symphony Orchestra.
musicians, the unique Eimear Noone.
We celebrate Eimear’s amazing
global achievements as trailblazing
composer and conductor with an
eclectic programme of classical and
contemporary music from the worlds
of film and gaming. Our cello soloist
is another proud Galway musician
– the unstoppable Adrian Mantu of

22 23
WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2024 THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

Songs of Travel: Voyage Bach Plus 4

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY, 8PM THURSDAY 23 MAY
Tickets: Standard €25
TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €22.50 | Social Inclusion €12.50
Adrian Mantu, cello
Bach Suite No. 4 in E flat
Daria van den Bercken, piano Amanda Feery In an Occupied Space
Bogdan Sofei, violin (world premiere)
Jakob Koranyi, cello ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH,
Macdara Ó Seireadáin, clarinet 1–1.45PM
Alex Petcu, percussion Tickets: Standard €15
Rachel Croash, soprano Concession €13.50 | Social Inclusion €7.50

Hawar Tawfiq Voyage (world premiere) CLARIN COLLEGE, ATHENRY, 7–7.45PM

Tickets: Standard €5
Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time
Concession €3 | Social Inclusion €3
Building empathy for our planet and
its people: Juxtaposed to one of the
foremost works of the 20th century Travelling Slow v. Flying
– Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of
Time, composed while Europe was in In 2022 Jakob Koranyi travelled by land and sea to Galway to perform for the
the midst of the Second World War and first edition of Cellissimo.
the composer was in a prisoner-of-war Column one shows the carbon footprint for the one-way journey to Galway and
camp in Silesia - this concert presents a column two shows the equivalent produced, had he flown. Emissions estimated for
brand-new work by Kurdish composer fuel consumption (including electricity) for the transport modes considered*.
Hawar Tawfiq, who first came to The
Netherlands as an unaccompanied Travelling by train/ferry/bus v. flying For this edition of Cellissimo, all artists
minor and asks questions such as who are travelling for Songs of Travel,
240
“What does travelling do with us?” and all international masterclass students
and “Where does the fear of change 231 are doing so by land and sea! This totals
180
34 journeys. Do the maths :-)
kg CO2-eq

come from?”
120
*Note that these are based on figures by Swedish
60 airline SAS. Other estimations (based on data
from Atmosfair for instance) result in nearly twice
songsoftravel.eu #SongsOfTravel 50
0 the amount of emissions shown in column two.
Co-funded by the European Union 1 2

24 25
THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

Classic Hour with Natalie Clein Songs of Travel:

& Finghin Collins Pack Your Bags
THURSDAY 23 MAY, 5.30PM Tickets:
Premium €30 | Standard €20
THURSDAY 23 MAY, 8PM Tickets: Standard €20
TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €18 | Social Inclusion €10 TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €18 | Social Inclusion €10

Natalie Clein, cello Pól Ó Conghaile, speaker

Finghin Collins, piano Killian White, cello
Stephanie Dufresne, dance artist
Brahms Sonata in E minor Op. 38
Ligeti Sonata for solo cello Bach Prelude Sarabande and Gigue from
Brahms/Piatti Hungarian Dance No. 1 Suite No. 6 in D minor
in G minor Pól Ó Conghaile Ten Secrets of
Sustainable Travel – talk
One of Britain’s most celebrated Karmit Fadael New work for cello and
musicians, Natalie Clein returns dance artist (world premiere)
to Galway to collaborate with
Artistic Director Finghin Collins This concert presents the world
on a programme of Brahms with a premiere of the result of a long
Hungarian twist. sustainable journey across Europe.
Composer Karmit Fadael travels from
Vienna to Scandinavia, on to The
Netherlands and finally to Galway, and the event also includes a wide-
visiting all the participating festivals in ranging panel discussion about the
the Songs of Travel project. issues highlighted by the Songs of
Travel project.
Halfway along her journey she is joined
by dancer Stephanie Dufresne and Panel discussion about Songs of Travel,
cellist Killian White and the piece is moderated by Anna Lardi
composed along the way. Panelists to include: Finghin Collins,
Travel writer Pól Ó Conghaile speaks Jakob Koranyi, Adedotun Adekeye,
about sustainable travel and tourism, Pól Ó Conghaile and Karmit Fadael.

songsoftravel.eu #SongsOfTravel
Sponsored by KPMG Co-funded by the European Union
26 27
FRIDAY 24 MAY 2024 FRIDAY 24 MAY 2024

Bach Plus 5 Student Showcase Concert

FRIDAY 24 MAY FRIDAY 24 MAY, 5.30PM Tickets: Standard €15
TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €13.50 | Social Inclusion €7.50

Natalie Clein, cello

Bach Suite No. 5 in C minor BWV 1011 Cheng-An Chan, cello
Jennifer Walshe THAT’S A LOT OF Hangwen Feng, cello
MONEY AT THE TOP OF A ROCKET Margarita Guerrero, cello
(world premiere) Kokoro Ryu, cello
ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH, Lena Marie Schulz, cello
1–1.45PM Clara Hope Simpson, cello
Francesco Tamburini, cello
Tickets: Standard €15
Concession €13.50 | Social Inclusion €7.50
Yixi Zia, cello
Dearbhla Brosnan, piano
LADY GREGORY HOTEL, GORT,
The participants of the International
6.30–7.15PM Student Programme will have a busy
Tickets: Standard €10 week in Galway. Between an intense
Concession €5 | Social Inclusion €5 masterclass programme with some
of the most inspirational cellists, a
workshop with the great people from
Minding Creative Minds and pop-up
concerts around the town, they will
also prepare their programme for this,
their Showcase Concert. Prepare to be
blown away by the energy and talent
on stage.

Supported by Minding Creative Minds

28 29
FRIDAY 24 MAY 2024 SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024

Nicolas Altstaedt & Friends Songs of Travel

FRIDAY 24 MAY, 8PM Tickets: Evaluation Workshop
Premium €45 | Standard €35
TOWN HALL THEATRE Concession €31.50 | Social Inclusion €17.50 SATURDAY 25 MAY, 11AM–12.30PM
SIOBHAN MCKENNA THEATRE,
Nicolas Altstaedt, cello UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY Tickets: FREE
José Gallardo, piano
Barnabás Kelemen, violin
With Songs of Travel we have set
Nadia Boulanger Trois Pièces pour ourselves clear aims: through the
violoncelle et piano presentation of co-commissioned
Martinu Variations on a Slovak Theme music we want to raise the empathy
Kodály Duo for violin and cello of all stakeholders towards the
environment and towards people
Dvorák Dumky Trio
who are forced to migrate. Did we
reach our goal?
German-French cellist Nicolas Altstaedt
is one of the most sought-after and We are looking for a group of fifteen
versatile cellists of our time. For his audience members who have attended
long-awaited Galway debut, he will be at least two of the five Songs of Travel Free of charge. Places are limited,
joined by two equally accomplished events (see pages 11,12,21,24,27) to and must be reserved in advance.
artists, the Hungarian violinist join us for this workshop, led by Dr. If you are interested in joining, please
Barnabás Kelemen and the Argentinian Denis O’Hora, a psychologist at the contact sot@musicforgalway.ie
pianist José Gallardo, for a programme University of Galway. With the help
with a decidedly Eastern European of Dr. O’Hora, you will explore your
bent. The first half of the concert experiences of Cellissimo and themes
features the cello in duet with piano of migration and climate change to
and then violin while in the second half help us evaluate our approach.
all three artists come together for a As a thank you, each participant
performance of Dvorak’s evergreen will receive a pair of tickets to the
“Dumky” Trio. Cellissimo Spectacular (see page 34).

songsoftravel.eu #SongsOfTravel
Co-funded by the European Union
30 31
SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024 SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024

Bach Plus 6 Documentary Film Screening

SATURDAY 25 MAY Living the Tradition
SATURDAY 25 MAY, 3PM Tickets: Standard €7
Killian White, cello
Bach Suite No. 6 in D major BWV 1012
NUN’S ISLAND THEATRE Social Inclusion €3.50

Anne-Marie O’Farrell Bach-Chat

(world premiere) Living the Tradition is the journey
of cellist and composer Ilse de
ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH, 1–1.45PM
Ziah around Ireland in a search for
Tickets: Standard €15
undiscovered secrets of ten Irish
Concession €13.50 | Social Inclusion €7.50
Airs. Along the way she meets with
CLAREGALWAY CASTLE, 4–4.45PM renowned Irish musicians, scholars
Tickets: Standard €15 and local characters who share with
Concession €10 | Social Inclusion €10 her the history and stories behind the
music. Ilse performs each of these
intensely beautiful pieces in the

The Climate impact of your meal settings they were written. Filmmaker
Maarten Roos captures the landscapes,
Greenhouse gas emissions per 250g food portion the charm of the Irish people and
the powerful resonance of the cello,
Data from Joseph Poore and Thomas Nemecek (2018)
25 creating a fresh account of Irish music
kg of CO2 equivilent

and culture.
per 250g potrion

20
15 Followed by Q&A session with
10 Ilse de Ziah.
5
0
Beef Lamb/ Cheese Farmed Pork Poultry Tofu Other Peas
Mutton Fish pulses

This plot shows estimated greenhouse Festival-goers, why not try out
gas emissions for various meals. plant-based & local cuisine in keeping
Calculations are based on global with the aim of reducing Cellissimo’s
average emission estimates, across emissions?
38,700 farms and 119 countries, taking Reference: Poore, J., & Nemecek, T. (2018).
into consideration to entire life-cycle Reducing food’s environmental impacts
of food source from land use right through producers and consumers. Science.
through the supply chain to retail. – processed by Our World in Data.
32 33
SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024 SUNDAY 26 MAY 2024

The Cellissimo Spectacular Inishbofin Cello Trail

SATURDAY 25 MAY, 7PM Tickets:
Premium €30 | Standard €25
SUNDAY 26 MAY, 8AM
LEISURELAND Concession €22.50 | Social Inclusion €12.50 GALWAY CATHEDRAL CAR PARK Tickets: Individual €120
– DEPARTING 8AM SHARP For a family of 4 €400

Cello Ireland (see page 35

for names) Cello Ireland:
Eight international cello Aoife Burke, cello
students (see page 29 for names) William Butt, cello
Amateur cellists of all ages Jane Cords O’Hara, cello
Claudia Boyle, soprano Martin Johnson, cello
Nicolas Altstaedt, cello Adrian Mantu, cello
Adrian Mantu, cello David McCann, cello
Catherine Cotter, cello Una Ní Chanainn, cello
Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto students, amateurs, professionals – Maria O’Connor, cello Experience breath-taking scenery and
join Cello Ireland and our international magical music in stunning locations.
Piazzolla La Muerte del Angel
students to create a mammoth cello Travel from Galway to Cleggan via
and Oblivion Places are limited so book early, to
orchestra. Kylemore Abbey (short stop) by coach,
Caccini Ave Maria book call the Town Hall Theatre on
and to Inishbofin by ferry. In small
With a mouth-watering programme +353 91 569777.
Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 groups you will be led on a cello trail
and international stars such as soprano *Weather appropriate clothing and
Daniel McDermott Derecho around the island*. Along the 2.4km
Claudia Boyle and cellist Nicolas walking shoes are a must. As the
walk, there will be four stops with
Arvo Pärt Summa Altstaedt, this promises to be a feast event requires walking 2.4 km with
short performances. After a lunch
Tchaikovsky Andante Cantabile for the senses. inclines, it is not easily accessible
break, everyone will gather in the
Fauré, arr. Simon Parkin Pavane To get the full line-up, visit here the Church for a cello octet concert of to everyone. Please contact us at
Bach, arr. Simon Parkin Jig website through the QR code below. about 45 minutes. The ferry will be info@musicforgalway.ie or call 091
We will add the names of people as ready to take everyone back to the 705962 for more detail if you have any
The eight cellists that comprise Cello they sign up. bus for the return journey to Galway. concerns.
Ireland are at the heart of this very We expect to arrive back in Galway at
special concert. The first part of the approximately 7.45pm.
evening showcases the wide diversity
of their repertoire.
Towards the end of the evening, cellists Ticket includes bus and ferry transfers; tea/coffee and buns
of all ages and abilities – children, on arriving in Inishbofin; all music performances.
34 35
OUR FUNDERS & SPONSORS

We ask you to take a moment to have a look at this list below. We are immensely
grateful for the trust these agencies, businesses and individuals put in us. They were
inspired by our vision and helped us to make Cellissimo 2024 a wonderful festival for all.

Funders:

Sponsors:
Dunard Fund USA

Galway Cello: Songs of Travel Partners:

Creative Partners:

Sustainable Travel Partners: National Media Partners:

Local Media Partners:

Accommodation and Venue Partners: Sustainability

Partners:

Mental Health Partners: Generous Supporters:

36
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Car drivers, if you
travelled by rail ...and last but not least – thank you to:

today, you would

Jennifer Ahearn Kristyn Fontanella Leslie Lyons Eveanna Ryan
Light Almelkawi João Frias Marc MacLochlainn Annica Sand
Pete Ashton Caroline Gannon Katharine Wouter Schmidt
Katharina Baker Nicola Geddes MacMághnuis Seamus Sheridan

have saved up to
Tania Banotti Tracey Geraghty Maria Vittoria Cathy Stokes
Marra
Joanne Beirne Jean-Marc Grob Rod Stoneman
Ailish McDonagh
Norman Black Damian Grogan Dr. Aidan Thomson
Roisin McGee

77% on your C02

Anne-Marie Bell Jack Gutmann Kuros Torkzadeh
Bernard
Mairead Berrill Helen Hancock Aoife Tunney
McGlinchey
Simon Bopp Orla Henihan Hasan Ulukisa
Fergal McGrath
Magda Boreson Adrian Herlihy Daria van der

emissions.
Sarah McKibbin
Fr. Eugene Boyle Lorraine Higgins Bercken
Luke McManus
Niamh Butler Carol Hinch Leticia Wade
Doyle
Thornton Georg Hobmeier Ben Wahl
Megs Morley
Julien Cagnetta Zane Howard Revill Ольга Гвоздикова
Maarten Mostert
Sarah Callaghan Margaret Jenkins Thank you to
Patrick Murphy
Eszter Cetinceviz Peter Friis the Cellissimo
Andrew Murray
Michele Cicora Johansson Volunteers! You
Jill Murray can find them listed
Dr. Eoghan Clifford Liz Johnston
Shaun Naughton on our website
Dr. Liz Coleman Natasha Johnston
Donal Nelson
Sarah Comer Gerry Keenan Special thanks to
Michaël Neuburger Mary Deely for her
Leona Cully Dermot Kelly

Maybe
Seona Ní invaluable work
Sybil Curley Lucy Kelly Chonghaile in making SOT
Ciaran Day Garry Kendellen Colm Ó hEocha happen
Mary Day Mona Kleven Tara O’Connor

tomorrow?
Pearse Doherty Guro Kleven Hagen Eamonn
Louis Donnellan Norbert Kögging O’Donoghue
Johan Dorrestein Daniel Kolstad Dr. Denis O’Hora
Anne Marie Dowd Gimle Dairne O’Sullivan
Alistair Doyle Jakob Koranyi Provost Lynda
Aisling Drury-Bryne Ewelina Kowalczyk Peilow
Eamonn Dunne Barbara Raoul Petersen
Kretschmeier Vũ Vân Phạm
Ellie Farrell
Silke Küster Mary Robinson
Dr. Orla Flynn
Margaret Lavell Chris Rueben
Philip Fogarty
Paul Leamy Ciaran Ryan
Mary Folan
Katie Lowry
SUSTAINABILITY
IN MOTION 39
FESTIVAL CLUB & CELLISSIMO TEAM
SPONSORED BY

Jekyll – Hyde Bar Galway

And after a full day of music, why
not head to Jeckyll to relax in good
company and some of the finest
Traditional Irish music to be had in
town. Fiddle player par excellence
Michael Chang is hosting some of the
best players every night from 10pm

THE PODCAST
to 12 midnight.
And who knows, some adventurous Admission: FREE – present your Cellissimo
cellists might join in…

THAT
concert ticket to gain admission

Cellissimo Team UNTANGLES.

Cellissimo: Digital Marketing: THE NEWS PODCAST FROM THE IRISH TIMES
Anna Lardi, CEO Camille Twomey, Digital Marketing
Monday to Friday
Finghin Collins, Artistic Director Julia Leprechey, Digital Marketing
Suzanne Black, Programme Manager Content
Valerie Parker Chang, Songs of Travel Production:

inthe
AT
O UYOR U
E ARDE A D
Project Coordinator Niall Barrett, Production Manager
Alice Kelly, International Student
Programme (ISP)/Cellissimo
Paul Kelly, Indigo Lighting
Christopher O’Malley, Regional
news.
Ambassador Coordinator Production Manager
Michael Chang, Trad Sessions
Sound/Recording:
Programmer
Connell Irvine, Intern
Paul Ashe-Browne
Video Recording:
irishtimes.com/podcasts
PR:
Unbound Media
Sync and Swim
Maclaine Black, ISP Recording
Aileen Galvin
Emma Harney Volunteer Coordinator:
Rowena Shanley Aoife Natsumi Frehan

YO UBECAUSE
A R E W HYOU
AT GET
YO U R E A D
40 41
SUPPORT CELLISSIMO

Support Cellissimo
We are incredibly grateful for the Cellissimo Fundraiser
financial and in-kind support that Music If you are in a position to support our
for Galway receives from government, ambitions to develop and grow
agencies, organisations, groups, Cellissimo into Europe’s most
and individuals. It is this investment extraordinary triennial celebration of
through funding, awards, donations, the cello and the cellist and would like to
and ticket sales that ensures we help us ensure the festival is accessible
can continue our 42 years of work, to all to attend, participate and enjoy,
nurturing classical seedlings, uplifting your contribution would be hugely
artists and communities, and bringing welcomed and very much appreciated.
the joy of music to audiences across
the West of Ireland.

DONATE TO CELLISSIMO
Scan the QR code or go to cellissimo.ie

Thank you to our Patrons

Diamond Patrons:
Anonymous | Yvonne Barry | James Browne | Diginet Business Solutions
Mark Gantly | Paul & Veronica O’Hara | Optique Opticians | Seán Stewart
T. Ó Huigínn & Chomh. Teo
Gold Patrons:
Claire & Michael Cuddy | Rosaleen Feeney | John Horgan
Silver Patrons:
Anonymous | Nicholas & Morwena Canny | Richard & Olwyn Comer
Ronan Duke | Peter & Anne Grete Gormley | Martin Hogg Elaine O’Sullivan F.A.O.I.
John & Rita McCabe | John & Dympna O’Donnell Briarhill Shopping Centre,
Bronze Patrons: Ballybrit, Galway
Anonymous x 2 | Sharon Griffin | James & Dorothy Harkin | Liz McConnell 091 386 669
F.X. & Pat O’Brien | Iggy & Rosaleen O’Muircheartaigh | Susan Uí Uiginn

42 12 www.optique.ie
GREEN COMMITMENTS

Green Commitments 4. Avoid hotels with energy-intensive features

like swimming pools and 24/7 saunas.
3. Energy: Electricity, gas, oil, water meter
readings for the period of the festival and
for each venue.
Festival Materials and communications:
The following is a list of actions and considerations to be taken by the festivals 4. Food: Number of meals served, %
1. Minimize the printing of materials like vegetarian, vegan and meat (% red meat
collaborating under the Songs of Travel umbrella in 2024–2025.
posters, banners, and program books. meals separated if possible).
Travel/Transport: 4. Choose a renewable energy subscription 2. We will not send out physical promotion 5. Accommodation: Star rating of hotels
1. No flights for artists, staff and students when possible. Discuss with the venues to letters/leaflets to audiences. used and bed-nights during festival plus (if
included in the SOT programme. change their energy plan! 3. Seek alternative methods for program available) sustainability reports from hotel
2. Choose public transport over individual communication to replace program leaflets, groups.
Food:
car travel. for example wall projections in the hall. 6. Print and merchandise: What (e.g.
1. Only serve (or pay for) vegan or vegetarian
3. We commit to renting at least one 4. Make sure banners and other reusables t-shirts, pens etc) and how many produced
dishes to artists, staff and students.
electric vehicle for the full festival period are printed without specific dates or and material where possible (e.g. clothing
2. Try to reduce cheese, fish, poultry, meat names. Alternatively buy materials where cotton, bamboo etc).
with the view to getting first-hand
and especially red meat served at the you can reuse frames, stands etc and switch
experience regarding the feasibility of such
festival locations. the fabric/poster. List of stakeholders:
alternatives.
3. Ensure suitable portion sizes to minimize 5. Reduce the use of high data emails. 1. Festival Staff
4. Use electric vans and trucks for material
food waste. 2. Artists
transportation when possible. 6. Only record performances when
5. Encourage active travel (walking, cycling) Waste: necessary and minimize online and offline 3. Students
when feasible. long-term storage of videos. 4. Volunteers
1. Limit opportunities for waste generation.
6. Avoid using fossil fueled cars when 7. Be mindful of the emissions associated 5. Audiences
2. No provision of one-off plastics or
possible. with digital communications. Turn off your
biodegradable materials. 6. Partners
camera in digital meetings when possible.
7. Always ask suppliers and partners to 3. Ensure that food and drink materials are 7. Suppliers
use electric transportation. If they can’t 8. Consider the environmental impact of
recyclable e.g. paper rather than plastics etc. 8. Donors and financial supporters
comply, always offer your own electric materials used for festival items such as
4.Separate waste properly, considering pens, mugs, t-shirts etc. We don’t need to
transportation if available. This document was created by:
both venue and food-related waste. hand out merch automatically to all artists/
8. Drive slowly to conserve emissions/energy.
5.Recycle as much as local waste collection students/audiences.
9. When organizing venues, consider the services allow.
emissions from attendees and prioritize Data Collection:
6. Select/encourage food suppliers to
locations that are easily accessible by public 1. Travel: Send out survey obtained from
minimize packaging.
transport or active travel. University of Galway to assess artist and
Accommodation: audiences’ travel patterns.
Energy:
1. Demand reduced cleaning services, twice 2. Ask audiences to put a pea in a jar to
1. Minimize electricity usage.
per week is a maximum. represent their mode of transportation.
2. Choose venues with solar panels or other This raises audience awareness in a fun and
2. Choose accommodation within walking
renewable energy sources when possible. visual way.
distance from the main venues.
3. Opt for more energy-efficient buildings
3. Be cautious with high-end hotels, as they
when possible.
usually have higher emissions; however,
assess individual hotels for efficiency.
44 45
POLICIES

Policies
Alterations to the programme
MfG reserves the right to alter any advertised programme if necessary.

Latecomers
Please check starting times for individual concerts on our website.
Latecomers will only be admitted during a break in the programme.

Tickets
Concessions are 10% off standard priced tickets and apply
to senior citizens (over 66).
Social Inclusion tickets are 50% off standard priced tickets and
include full time students, asylum seekers, people in receipt of
job seeker allowance and disability allowance. Social Inclusion
tickets can be purchased online and collected at the door with
proof of relevant status.
Please note that all tickets are non-refundable.

Booking
www.cellissimo.ie or by phone 091 569777

Music for Galway Board: Buan-Chairde:

Mark Gantly, Chair John Behan RHA | Claire Cuddy
Delia Breathnach, Cyril Briscoe, Jane O’Leary | Seán Stewart
Liz McConnell, Claire McLaughlin, MfG Laoch Ceoil:
Cathal O’Donoghue, Anne Ó Maille, Eimear Noone
Dan Shields, Ludmila Snigireva

46 47