Galway Music Residency is delighted to present a very special Audience Choice Lunchtime with ConTempo this January ahead of the series’ true start next month. The concert takes place on Tuesday 23 January at 1.10pm in the beautiful surrounds of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. Galway’s Ensemble in Residence, ConTempo Quartet, will perform a varied programme that was chosen by audiences in December through an anonymous poll at live events and online. Galway listeners had the opportunity to vote for their favourite of three set menus of music, curated by Galway composer Jane O’Leary.

The clear winner was a selection of music entitled The Rhythm of Life. This musical journey features some of the best-known string quartet movements ever written. Starting with an exhilarating dance by Beethoven, bursting with rhythmic drive, the programme also includes music from Debussy’s only string quartet - expressive, exotic, colourful. Audiences will hear from Italian composer Puccini, best known for his operas, who wrote a beautiful string quartet in one night in response to the death of a friend. It is entitled ‘Crisantemi’ meaning ‘Chrysanthemums’, which are the traditional Italian flowers of mourning. Finally, the Bohemian composer Dvořák completed his ‘American’ Quartet during a residency in the USA in the summer of 1893. It features the sounds of the beautiful countryside, including the song of a bird, and brings this programme to a conclusion with another energetic and lively dance.

Entry to the concert is Free, all are welcome. Donations are greatly appreciated, but not required. No booking is required, walk ups welcome.

Lunchtimes with ConTempo take place on the first Tuesday of the month. A new series begins on Tuesday 6 February. Galway Music Residency is proudly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, University of Galway (Education Partner) and Galway City and County Councils. For further information, visit www.galwaymusicresidency.ie