MusicConnects celebrates the natural world through music this year, performed by our resident string quartet ConTempo Quartet and guest artists. Here in the West we are deeply connected to, and defined by, nature and the elements. Join us to explore music through the lens of delicately balanced ecosystems, the migratory patterns of animals, the weather and more. Each month, we bring Galway audiences on a new journey through our wild and wonderful world.
Check out our FREE autumn events below, featuring five key series:
• Lunchtime with ConTempo – our flagship monthly lunchtime series. Perfect for your lunchbreak.
• ConTempo Countywide – our series connecting with communities throughout Galway County.
• 3 Kinds of Music – our popular tasting menu of musical genres, in partnership with The Blackgate.
These initiatives happen ahead of our Lunchtime and Countywide concerts to prepare your ears and empower you to have a more meaningful listening experience at the live performances. They can also be enjoyed independently. These events are open to all and no experience is needed.
• Music Unveiled – our Guided Listening initiative at Galway’s city libraries, in collaboration with Galway City Council Arts Office’s Cultural Partnership Programme and University of Galway’s Department of Music. These informal and accessible sessions deconstruct some of the music to be performed each month.
• Lines of Listening (NEW!) – a Creative Responses series as part of Lochránn, our outreach initiative in partnership with
Arts in Action, University of Galway. Artist Maeve Curtis and Author Mike McCormack guide these monthly, deep listening
workshops where participants engage in process-oriented mark making either in paint or in words, responding to this season’s music programme. Materials provided.
The Corrib River runs through Galway City and County supporting a rich ecosystem. Ahead of World Rivers Day on 28th September, celebrate the flow of water through music.
Tuesday 2 September Lunchtime with ConTempo
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, 1.10pm-2.50pm
Sunday 7 September Lines of Listening
The Space, Áras na Mac Léinn, University of Galway, 11am-1pm
As part of Lochránn, our outreach initiative in partnership with Arts in Action
Sunday 21 September ConTempo Countywide
Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, H53 EK74, 3pm
As part of Shorelines Arts Festival
There are over 450 bird species in Ireland including many rare, unusual or migratory birds. Celebrate the song and flight of these beautiful animals with ConTempo Quartet.
Friday 26 September Music Unveiled
Ballybane Library, H91 FX98, 11am
Featuring Dr Aidan Thomson & composer Jane O’Leary
Sunday 5 October Lines of Listening
The Space, Áras na Mac Léinn, University of Galway, 11am-1pm
Sunday 5 October ConTempo Countywide
St Fursa’s Parish Hall, Headford, H91 N5P9, 6.30pm
As part of Something in the Water Festival, featuring the Irish Premiere of ‘Taking Flight’ by Jane O’Leary
Tuesday 7 October Lunchtime with ConTempo
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, 1.10pm-2.50pm
The West of Ireland is no stranger to wild weather, but storms are becoming an ever more present part of our lives due to climate change. Explore this pressing issue through music.
Tuesday 28 October Music Unveiled Library TBC, 2pm
Featuring Dr Aidan Thomson & composer Judith Ring
Sunday 2 November Lines of Listening
The Space, Áras na Mac Léinn, University of Galway, 11am -1pm
Tuesday 4 November Lunchtime with ConTempo
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, 1:10pm-2:50pm
Featuring the World Premiere of ‘Raise a Tragic Chorus in a Gale’ by Judith Ring
Sunday 22 November 3 Kinds of Music
The Mick Lally Theatre, 3pm
Featuring TBC
Saturday 29 November ConTempo Countywide
Kinvara Community Hall, H91 WC64, 8pm
In collaboration with Kinvara Community Orchestra
Nature must slumber now to prepare for the spring ahead, and perhaps we should follow its lead. Prepare for hibernation with winter music.
Tuesday 25 November Music Unveiled
Galway City Library, 11am
Featuring Dr Aidan Thomson & composer Deirdre McKay
Sunday 30 November Lines of Listening
The Space, Áras na Mac Léinn, University of Galway, 11am-1pm
Tuesday 2 December Lunchtime with ConTempo
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, 1:10pm-2:50pm
Sunday 7 December ConTempo Countywide
Scoil Éinne, An Spidéal, H91 N9C9, 3:30pm
In partnership with Comhlacht Forbartha an Spidéil
Saturday 20 December 3 Kinds of Music
The Mick Lally Theatre, 3pm
Featuring ConTempo Quartet, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta and RÓIS
Entry to all events is FREE.
No booking is required for concerts. Donations welcome.
Booking for Music Unveiled is through the individual Libraries.
Booking for Lines of Listening is through Eventbrite (Arts in Action)
A maximum of 16 places are available per session so early booking is advised.
Come on this journey with us. Help us make many generations of musicians and music lovers in Galway and beyond.
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