ENTERTAINMENT: Westport Festival of Chamber Music returns with exciting programme

Westport Festival of Chamber Music has announced an exciting and dynamic programme for its 2024 festival, which takes place from September 5 to 8.
Founded in 2013 by violinist Catherine Leonard, pianist Hugh Tinney and its then manager, Madeleine Flanagan, this boutique festival welcomes the finest of musicians from Ireland and around the world to the historic heritage town of Westport for a weekend of concerts, workshops, lectures and special events each September.
This year promises to be no exception, with the festival bringing together artists from Ireland, Canada and across Europe. The 2024 event features some of the best-loved works in the history of chamber music, as well as lesser known gems, performed by outstanding Irish and international artists, in a variety of locations across Westport, including the festival’s founding home, Westport House.
Commenting, Catherine Leonard, Artistic Director said: “The festival is a very personal endeavour for me, each year, bringing together the highly accomplished friends with whom I have performed all over the world. It is a unique chance for many of them to re-engage, musically, but also socially, over the week they spend rehearsing and performing in Westport, and we, the audience, get to enjoy the fruits of their labours!”
Some highlights of the festival programmed by Catherine Leonard include the opening concert on September 6 in the splendour of Westport House, featuring music by Mozart, Schubert, Dubugnon, Prokofiev and Dvořák performed by a rich roster of invited artists.
The festival will also include two compositions by the renowned Swiss composer Richard Dubugnon, both of which are receiving Irish premieres. Making their Irish debut at the festival will be ‘Simply Quartet’, a youthful and award-winning string quartet from Vienna/Shanghai.
A number of performances by leading Irish pianist Hugh Tinney, one of the Festival’s founders will also take place as will the Rachmaninov Cello Sonata with festival favourite Guy Johnston.
The ‘emerging artists’ concert by Sonic Quartet, students of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, ensures the next generation of musicians have their opportunity to perform too, and mix in the company of the most seasoned players on the world stage.
In addition to its main events, the festival hosts a number of free admission concerts, workshops, lectures, pre-concert talks and a schools programme.
Festival Manager Chris O’Malley stated: “From its foundation in 2013, when the Westport Festival of Chamber Music welcomed seven musicians to perform at the inaugural event, it has grown into a highly anticipated cultural event that fits seamlessly into Westport’s autumn events. Collaboration is at the heart of our work with musicians, audience members, venues, organisers and local supporters sharing their passion for music in the heart of one of Ireland’s most picturesque and welcoming towns.”
The Westport Festival of Chamber Music flourishes through the loyalty and support of its friends and sponsors. It is funded by The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and receives the consistent support of Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Destination Westport, RTÉ Supporting the Arts for the Festival programme.

• For more information about Westport Festival of Chamber Music visit the festival website on www.westportchambermusic.ie.