Inaugural Newry Piano Festival set to hit the right note in city
The inaugural Newry Piano Festival takes place from 6-8 February, bringing together leading pianists from Ireland and Britain for three days of classical and jazz performances, concerts and events.
Three of the finest classical pianists from these islands - Ireland’s Finghin Collins and David Quigley, and Scotland’s Steven Osborne - give concerts at the festival, while fans of Jazz and musical theatre can look forward to an evening of Leonard Bernstein with the Rob Barron Trio, joined by vocalist Georgia Cécile.
The festival is organised by Newry Chamber Music and marks an exciting new addition to Northern Ireland’s music festival calendar.
Concerts, as well as family events, involving music and storytelling, as well as piano masterclasses, will take place in Newry Town Hall and the Newry Chamber Music Hub at The Quays Shopping Centre.
“This Piano Festival grew out of a pilot piano masterclass series we held last January with my brother, David Quigley,” said Joanne Quigley McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music.
“The response was exceptional and confirmed there is a real appetite for high-level piano performance and training in our region.
“While this is our first festival dedicated exclusively to the piano, it grows directly from the artistic values Newry Chamber Music has developed over the past 25 years - a commitment to excellence in chamber music and solo performance, and to presenting artists of the highest international standard. The piano has always been central to that tradition.
“With concerts, masterclasses, and open platforms spanning classical and jazz, this festival positions Newry not only as a place where great music is enjoyed, but as a destination where inspiring artistic work happens - attracting performers, students, keen amateur players, and audiences from across the country.
“We want this Piano Festival to draw people to Newry and the wider region to experience outstanding artists and inspiring performances, while discovering an area known for its extraordinary landscape and superb hospitality, and now firmly recognised as a centre of excellence in classical music on these islands.” For more info, see newrychambermusic.org/piano-fest.