Galway Music Residency’s Concerts for the Celtic Calendar continues in March with a celebration of Ostara, otherwise known as the spring equinox. It is a time of perfect balance, when the direct rays of the sun hit the equator, making day and night equal in length. While Imbolc represents the first stirrings of spring, Ostara celebrates its full arrival. It is a time of new beginnings, the awakening of the earth and the warmth of spring.

ConTempo Quartet will perform a specially curated Ostara programme as part of Lunchtimes with ConTempo on Tuesday 5 March at 1:10pm in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. The programme features Mozart’s Quartet no. 14 in G major, K 387, nicknamed ‘Spring’. This work, written in Vienna in 1782, was the first in a collection of six string quartets that Mozart dedicated to Joseph Haydn. It is nicknamed ‘Spring’ because of its cheerful nature. Upon hearing the work, Haydn remarked to Mozart’s father, “Before God, and as an honest man, I tell you that your son is the greatest composer known to me either in person or by name.”

Also featured on the programme is Forever Begin by Galway composer Jane O’Leary. This work, inspired by Brendan Kennelly’s poem ‘Begin’, was originally composed for Galway Music Residency series From Europe with Love - a concert programme highlighting string quartet music from each of the 27 EU countries. Of the work, O’Leary says, “This is the third fanfare I have written for ConTempo Quartet. Normally a fanfare is associated with a brass ensemble, and is an announcement of something important which is about to happen. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation, of hope and optimism - of new beginnings.” Brendan Kennelly's iconic poem ‘Begin’ reflects on these positive feelings and the nature of renewal, and will be read by O’Leary at each performance.

Entry to all concerts is FREE, all are welcome. Donations are welcome. No booking is required.

Lunchtimes with ConTempo take place on the first Tuesday of the month (Feb-May, Sep-Dec).
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