This year our Lunchtime with ConTempo and ConTempo Countywide series celebrates the Celtic Calendar through music. Marking the passing of the year, each concert will feature string quartet repertoire to reflect special dates and festivals in the calendar including Ostar, Michaelmas and the Winter Solstice.

The series begins on Bank Holiday Monday 5 February at 7pm in Oughterard Courthouse, when ConTempo Quartet will perform a programme in celebration of Imbolc, now commonly known as St Brigid’s day. Imbolc, originally a pagan festival, welcomes the beginning of spring. ConTempo Quartet will perform a repertoire on the theme of light, marking our movement from the darkness of winter to the light and the hope that comes with spring. Works will include Haydn’s Sunrise Quartet, Terry Riley’s Sunrise of the Planetary Dream Collector, and Juhi Bansal’s Cathedral of Light.

Entry to all concerts is free, all are welcome. Donations are welcome, but not required. No booking is required, walk ups welcome.

City audiences can enjoy the programme as part of Lunchtimes with ConTempo on Tuesday 6 February at 1:10pm in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

Galway Music Residency is proudly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, University of Galway (Education Partner) and Galway City and County Councils.