May 9th – 12th, 2013
www.galwayearlymusic.com

Word Play: which came first – words or music?

From 17th century Roman music to the performance of Early Irish poetry and a playful look at the dark side of fairytales, join them for a rich tapestry of medieval renaissance and baroque vocal and instrumental music. Their theme is a ‘chicken and egg’ question that will be considered from many angles. Telling stories, expressing emotions and embodying the sacred, in all these both vocal and instrumental music play a part.

Erin Headley and her award–winning ensemble Atalante is joined by Resurgam, Ireland’s foremost professional choral ensemble for a semi–staged concert of 17th century Roman laments of exquisite beauty in St. Nicholas Collegiate Church.

Sonnets for the Cradle, an imaginative and mischievous multi– media look at European folk tales and nursery rhymes is devised by recorder player, Laoise O’Brien, with artwork by Lorna Donlon. It includes a surprising variety of music, from nursery rhymes and Nordic, Arabic and Irish tunes to compositions by Adam de la Halle, John Dowland, Francois Couperin, and Purcell, not forgetting baroque ballads and dances. The artwork will be on exhibit in An Taibhdhearc throughout the festival.

Ann Heymann, doyenne of the early Irish/Gaelic harp, her husband Charlie and other musicians (tbc) investigate the performance of bardic poetry with harp, including a look at the instrumental music of the time.

In addition to the concerts, visitors can learn renaissance dances, hear Ireland’s pre–historic and medieval horns, and try our Smartphone/ GPS time–travel event. Many events are family friendly.

A foot–tapping weekend of songs and melody in the liveliest medieval town in Europe!

For more information visit www.galwayearlymusic.com