Venue: Church Gallery, Ballinasloe Library
Date: 15 December 2024 at 1:00pm
Price: Free, Donations Welcome
Join us for our final programme in our musical journey through the Celtic Calendar this December. ConTempo Quartet and Sander Saarmets, Galway Music Residency’s International Guest Artist in Residence for 2024, will perform a varied repertoire celebrating Winter Solstice as part of GMR’s ConTempo Countywide initiative in Ballinasloe Library on 15 December at 1pm.
The Winter Solstice occurs when either of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. It marks the shortest day and longest night in the year. On 21st December, it is with relief that we look forward to longer days in the months ahead, the grand stretch! For the ancient Celts, it was a time of renewal, revival and hope. Reflecting the lengthening days, it was also a time of letting go of the darkness that came before and looking forward to brighter days ahead. Even now, people make the journey to Newgrange, Ireland’s most famous Neolithic monument, to witness the solstice. Constructed around 3,200 BC, the site sees the sunrise of the winter solstice cast light through an opening above the doorway, bathing the passage and chamber inside with light for around 17 minutes.
The Winter Solstice programme features a reflective selection of repertoire exploring the quiet of winter and the possibility of rebirth and renewal. Saarmets will join ConTempo Quartet for a programme of Estonian and Irish works. Featured composers will include Arvo Pärt, Age Veeroos, and Heino Eller. Audiences will also hear folk tunes from Estonia (Tõnu Kõrvits) and Ireland (O Carolan). The concert will also feature the World Premiere of a new work composed by Sander Saarmets for string quartet and electronics inspired by his time in Galway.
Entry is free, all are welcome. Donations are welcome. No booking is required.