Music lovers are in for a summertime treat of uplifting classical music at the farewell concert of Donegal Camerata String Quintet at Conwal Parish Church in Letterkenny on Sunday.
With a delightful programme that includes well-known works by Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Dvořák, this promises to be a very special occasion.
The current Ensemble has enjoyed a remarkable six years of bringing fantastic classical music to the hills of Donegal.
The musicians have come together and participated in many of the local festivals throughout the county.
The concert on Sunday is a last opportunity to hear this lovely Ensemble in its current formation.
Presented by the Donegal Chamber Music Society, the programme will include Mozart’s A Little Night Music, Brahm’s Hungarian Dances and Piazzolla’s Libertango.
The recital will last approximately one hour and is a perfect Sunday afternoon musical treat.
Irish composer Vincent Kennedy has also created a beautiful arrangement dedicated to violinist and viola player Lucia Spacirova as a parting gift in thanks for her work in promoting classical music in Donegal.
The concert will include the premiere of this work An Craoibhín Aoibhinn.
She has taught many young musicians across the North West and has performed in many concerts throughout the county.
Violinist Claire Cunningham is also leaving the Ensemble after playing in many concerts. She has recently moved to Newry but will continue her musicial career throughout the north of Ireland.
Created as a flexible string ensemble in 2007, the Donegal Camerata comprised International professional players based in Donegal.
Their first public appearance was at the McGill Summer School in Glenties in July 2007, playing then as a String Quartet and as a quartet who also performed at different events organised by Donegal County Council.
This current Donegal Camerata String Quintet came together for the closing concert to mark the celebrations of Letterkenny 400thAnniversary in June 2011.
Since then, they established a series of classical concerts in Conwal Parish Church, Letterkenny, as well as organising many memorable performances at Glenveagh Castle and participating at all the local festivals, including Allingham Arts, Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks, Earagail Arts and Da Capo Concert Series.
The Ensemble has enjoyed many collaborations with other musical styles including working with sean-nós singer Dominic Mac Giolla Bhríde. This resulted in a very successful CD.
Recently, they’ve played with Kate O’Callaghan at the Girl with the Beret project.
The group also worked with poets Afric McGlinchey and Denise Blake and has recorded for RTE Radio 1’s Sunday Miscellany.
