Tickets are now on sale for the fourth West Wicklow Festival which takes place from 20th – 24th May 2020. Building on the success of previous festivals, the 2020 West Wicklow Festival boasts an incredible line-up of musicians and artists from all over the world, with concerts being held at Russborough House and St. Mary’s Church, Blessington.
Having doubled in size since 2017, the Festival has once again expanded its programme and this year will feature 15 incredible artists over 5 days. The 2020 programme features performances from the captivating Polish mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp, internationally acclaimed American violinist Tai Murray with German pianist Silke Avenhaus, renowned French string quartet Quatuor Arod, prominent Swiss based ensemble Trio Gaspard, principal flute of the London Symphony Orchestra Adam Walker and the Festival’s Founder & Artistic Director, celebrated Irish pianist Fiachra Garvey. The festival will also feature rising Irish stars Phoebe White (violin) and Peter Regan (piano).
“This year’s programme marks two very important events – the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Beethoven and the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the Blessington Lakes. We celebrate some of the most iconic chamber works by Beethoven and compliment these with works from the 17th century through to the present day, by both male and female composers. We continue our commitment to contemporary music by featuring a newly commissioned work by Gerald Barry, as well as works by Helena Winkelmann and Ian Wilson. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the stunning Russborough House in May to enjoy this fantastic programme in a uniquely intimate setting!” – Fiachra Garvey, Founder & Artistic Director
The West Wicklow Festival marks the 250th Birthday of perhaps the world’s greatest ever composer, Beethoven, by presenting some of his finest chamber works alongside those of other influential international and Irish composers, including Ian Wilson, Mélanie Bonie, Prokofiev, Franck, Schubert, Clara Schumann, Schubert, Mozart, Bernstein and many more!
2020 also marks the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the Blessington Lakes. In commemoration of this extremely important event in Irish history, West Wicklow Festival and the Thomas Dammann Junior Memorial Trust have commissioned a new piece of music by legendary Irish composer Gerald Barry. This work will receive its world premiere on Wednesday 20th May and will be performed by Adam Walker (flute) Fiachra Garvey (piano).
Since 2018 the West Wicklow Festival has partnered with the National Concert Hall’s Learning & Participation team to deliver interactive Family Concerts, as well as an innovative programme of musical activities for children and families. These activities transformed Russborough’s intricate maze and mystical Lady’s Island into interactive musical playgrounds. This collaboration will continue in 2020 with full details of the Festival’s family and educational activities being announced shortly.
Founded in 2017 by award-winning Wicklow pianist Fiachra Garvey, the West Wicklow Festival was established in order to promote the beautiful area of West Wicklow by staging an annual festival featuring some of the world’s premiere artists, with a healthy Irish offering. Guests are invited to enjoy the intricate beauty of Russborough House, one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in Ireland, in addition to experiencing the world’s finest musicians in a beautiful, intimate and awe-inspiring setting. For further information about the West Wicklow Festival and to book your tickets, please visit westwicklowfestival.com
