MUSIC Classics to raise cathederal roof in Tuam

Classics to raise cathederal roof


A classical evening will be held on Thursday, July 19, in the 10th-12th century Church of Ireland St Mary’s Cathedral in Tuam. The concert, which starts at 8pm is presented in association with Galway Arts Festival as a musical tribute to Tuam native, playwright Tom Murphy.  
Sarah McMahon will play Bach’s first Cello Suite, combining rhythmic energy with archaic courtly dances. A member of the celebrated Callino Quartet, Sarah is also Principal Cellist of the Irish Baroque Orchestra and has soloed with the Orchestra of Enlightenment, The Academy of Ancient Music and recorded with the Kings Consort. 
Almost 60 years later than Bach’s cello suites, which are now almost 300 years old, Mozart composed one of his 16 sonatas for violin and piano for a young 15-year-old girl. This will be played by Catherine Leonard, Principal Artist of Camerata Pacifica of California, the top Irish violinist of her generation. She will be accompanied by pianist Ballyhaunis native Maria McGarry, also considered one of the top musicians of her generation. 
Schubert’s ‘The Trout’ will be performed by a piano quintet led by Maria McGarry and including Catherine Leonard; Sarah McMahon; Rebecca Jones, viola player with the Callino Quartet and regular guest principal in UK orchestras; and Sarah Halpin, the principal double bass player of the Irish Baroque Orchestra.  This great ‘girls’ band’ will romp through the magical ‘Die Forelle’ to send home an elated and happy audience.

Tickets, including programme, are €20 (€18 concession) and are available from on-line at www.galwayartsfestival.com or www.classicallinks.ie. They can also be purchased at  Quinn’s, Bishop Street, Tuam, and from the Galway Arts Festival Box office at Galway Tourist office.