3 Kinds of Music

MusicConnects presents its renowned multi-genre series once again this winter in the iconic Mick Lally Theatre. This popular series is co-curated by MusicConnects’ International Resident Guest Artist for 2024, Estonian Electronic Artist Sander Saarmets, and Galway Artists and Composers Aengus Hackett and Anna Mullarkey.

On Saturday 9 November at 3pm, audiences will be treated to a carefully curated line-up created by Saarmets and Hackett. Ingrid Nicola and Bogdan Sofei from ConTempo Quartet will delight audiences to complex and energetic violin duets. Hackett’s own Trio featuring some of the finest musicians in the country – Derek Whyte (bass) and Matthew Jacobson (drums) – will also perform. Central to the band’s sound is Hackett’s irreverent merging of straight-ahead jazz guitar tones with wonky effects pedal sounds to create a tapestry of futuristic textures. Saarmets will perform with Ukrainian musician and composer Oleysa Zdorovetska. Together they will weave voice and electronics into an experimental tapestry of sound.

On Saturday 14 December Anna Mullarkey joins Saartmets in producing a tasting menu of musical treats. Fresh from the success of her astounding collaboration with Enda Walsh at the Abbey Theatre – Safe House­ – Mullarkey takes to the stage with her unique sound of electronics and vocals. Sander will collaborate with celebrated cellist, multi-instrumentalist and composer from Cork, Kevin Murphy, on another fusion set looking at the interplay of trad and electronics. Adrian Mantu and Andreea Banciu of ConTempo Quartet take the classical reins with repertoire for viola and cello. Both events will feature ensemble finales with new works and arrangements by Hackett and Mullarkey.

This series of events is free, family-friendly, and donations are welcome. Booking is not required but early arrival is advised.

MusicConnects is supported by University of Galway (education partner), the Arts Council, Galway City Council and Galway County Council. Our International Guest Artist Residency programme is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland’s International Residency Schemes Initiative.