About Us

Everyone should have the right to listen to, learn about and love music. This simple belief is the driving force behind everything that Galway Music Residency (GMR) aims to achieve. It exists to serve the people of Galway city and county, providing opportunities for all to experience music in new and unexpected ways, to learn from inspiring musicians and spark joy in their lives.

OUR STORY
In 2002, a group of people dedicated to creating listening opportunities in their community had an ambitious idea – to bring an internationally renowned classical music ensemble to Galway to enrich the lives of its citizens. With support from local institutions, the organisation Galway Music Residency was born (originally named Galway Ensemble in Residence).

CONTEMPO QUARTET

Following a competitive international audition process, the ConTempo Quartet was chosen as GMR’s Ensemble in Residence. This young and vibrant quartet, comprised of two married couples, had formed in Bucharest Romania, and already had an impressive career of performances, recordings and awards under its belt. The ensemble had, as well as its unparalleled musical talent, a spark that made the selection panel believe they would bring something truly special to the people of Galway. Ever since ConTempo Quartet took up their residency in 2003, this has remained true, and the quartet is committed to continuing its residency for as long as it can make a positive impact on its adopted community.

Meet our Ensemble in Residence - The Galway ConTempo Quartet »

GIVING THE GIFT OF MUSIC
This unique long-term residency has allowed GMR to develop long-lasting relationships with individuals, communities, artists and organisations, creating meaningful connections throughout Galway. Over the past 19 years, GMR has developed a remarkable and ever-evolving suite of education and performance programmes to serve diverse audiences and under-served communities in Galway, presenting some of the best music ever composed in new and unexpected ways.

At the core of our work has been the goal of breaking down the barrier that traditionally separates the audience, the general public, from classical music and musicians. We present music in interactive ways, in unexpected venues, giving people of all walks of life meaningful experiences of music and encouraging the next generation of music lovers.

We hope you enjoy our musical offerings...

Our Board of Directors

KEITH WARNOCK

CHAIR, Committees: Development/Strategy, Finance

Read Biography
×

KEITH WARNOCK

Keith Warnock is a law graduate of Trinity College Dublin. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1971 and worked in England and the United States of America. After studying for a post-graduate degree at the University of Manchester, he returned to Ireland in 1977 as a lecturer in accounting at University College Galway, a role he filled until 2006. During that period he was President of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (1983-85), Dean of the Faculty of Commerce (1986-1990), Chairman of the Western Society of Chartered Accountants, and Editor of the Irish Accounting Review (1994-2006). He was appointed Vice-President for Physical Resources at University of Galway (formerly NUIG) in July 2006, and became Vice-President for Capital Projects in 2009, a role which he held on a part-time basis from 2011 to 2014; during his period as Vice-President he served as a member of the Council of the Galway Chamber of Commerce and Industry and of the Galway City Development Board; he remained as an advisor on capital projects at the University until his full retirement in 2018.

JAMES HARROLD

Committees: Development/Strategy, Artistic Committee Chair

Read Biography
×

JAMES HARROLD

James Harrold is a former Arts Officer for Galway City Council and Galway County County Council. Previously he was Artistic Director of Wexford Arts Centre and before that he worked in production, performance and communication with Galway Arts Centre, Galway Arts Festival and Macnas. He has served on several boards, including Údarás na hOllscoile, University of Galway; Áras Éanna, the arts centre of the Aran Islands; arts and health.ie and Galway University Hospitals Arts Trust. He is a co-founder of the Galway festivals Tulca and Cúirt.

John Caulfield

Committees: Artistic

Read Biography
×

John Caulfield

John Caulfield has been a member of the Galway Music Residency’s Artistic Committee since 2014, acting as Chair of the committee since 2017. He has a keen interest in bringing music to new audiences and locations, and enjoys working with the Galway Music Residency to develop new and engaging programmes, commissions and collaborations with performers, cultural organisations and community groups across Galway. Originally from Co. Wexford, John moved to Galway in 2012 to take up the role of Internal Communications Officer at University of Galway. In 2020, he was appointed the University’s Director of Strategy Implementation. He has worked for TG4 and the BBC in the past, and he holds a PhD in Sociolinguistics from Cardiff University. John lives in an Spidéal and is passionate about the Irish language. He is currently co-directing the Aistriú project as part of the Galway 2020 artistic programme. He sings with a number of choirs in the city.

Ruth Gordon

Read Biography
×

Ruth Gordon

A Music and Irish graduate from UCC, Ruth has worked in the arts and culture sector for over 15 years in a variety of fields such as opera, theatre, and festivals including roles with Druid, Galway International Arts Festival, Macnas, Baboró, and Fíbín, often performing roles through English and Irish. As the first Music Development Officer for Music Generation Galway County, Ruth initiated the rollout of new, accessible and inclusive music education programmes for young people in Galway County during its set-up phase. Ruth is currently the Project Manager of the Creative Ireland fund with Galway County Council Arts Office, a culture and wellbeing programme that inspires and transforms people, places and communities through creativity. Ruth says, “I am excited to be part of a team that presents work of international excellence in the West of Ireland in an accessible, inclusive, and exciting way.”

SHEILA PRATSCHKE

Read Biography
×

SHEILA PRATSCHKE

Former Director of Irish Film Institute, Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris. Former Chair of An Chomhairle Ealaíon, West Cork Music. Currently serving as member of Heritage Council and is Honorary Member of RHA.

LINDA O'SHEA FARREN

Read Biography
×

LINDA O'SHEA FARREN

Linda O’Shea Farren studied law in University College Cork and holds a 1st Class Hons. Master's Degree in Public Policy (MEconSc) from the Institute of Public Administration awarded by UCD.

Our Team

MAEVE BRYAN

Executive Director

Read Biography
×

MAEVE BRYAN

Maeve, a Galway native, graduated from University of Galway with a Degree in English and Philosophy (Double First Class Honours) and a Masters in Ethics, Culture and Global Change (First Class Honours). Following time in the publishing and language industries, she is now a dedicated Arts Professional. Being a keen classical musician and having directly experienced the benefit of ConTempo Quartet's teaching and mentoring as a young musician, Maeve is passionate about the work that GMR is doing in Galway City and County and is delighted to be at the helm in this exciting time for Galway. Passionate about music education, outside her role at the Galway Music Residency, Maeve teaches Colourstrings Kindergarden, a Kodaly-based music literacy programme and the follow on instrumental programme for piano.

Jacqueline Teegarden

Operations Manager

Read Biography
×

Jacqueline Teegarden

Born and raised in the United States, Jacqueline moved to Germany in 2015 after completing her undergrad in theatre. In 2020, Jacqueline came to Galway in the midst of the pandemic to pursue her MA in Theatre Practice and Production at University of Galway. While her professional background is mostly in theatre, she has always had a love for music and a belief that all art should be readily available to everyone.

We are so grateful to our volunteers who make our work possible.

Governance

Galway Music Residency is the registered trading name of Galway Music Residency Limited. Galway Music Residency Limited is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. The organisation complies with all regulatory requirements and operates in accordance with its governing document.

The Board of Galway Music Residency has embarked on the journey towards adopting the Governance Code for the Community, Voluntary and Charitable Sector in Ireland.

The organisation keeps detailed financial records and maintains strict financial controls.Galway Music Residency Financial Statements (31st December 2019) are available publicly. Galway Music Residency is committed to comply with the recommended guidelines for financial reporting.

Galway Music Residency is a registered charity (CHY15240).

Galway Music Residency is committed to protecting the privacy of its users and has a Data Protection Policy in place. You can access it here for further information.

Our Child Safeguarding Statement can be viewed here: Child Safeguarding Statement Updated 04.07.2022. Our Child Safeguarding and Welfare Policy & Procedures can be viewed here: GMR Child Protection and Welfare Policy and Procedures July 2024. These document is reviewed every 24 months.


Contact

Galway Music Residency
10 Upper Newcastle, Galway, H91 F677


Telephone: +353 91 586706

Email: info@thegalwaymusicresidency.ie