Exciting performance hosted by Tullamore Gramophone Society at Charleville Castle

The past year proved to be a very exciting season at Tullamore Gramophone Society as it has now formed an association with the Royal Irish Academy of Music to offer a performance opportunity at Charleville Castle to one of their prize-winning ensembles.

These performances are part of their Festival prize and take place at West Cork Chamber Music Festival, Wexford Opera Festival, the Hugh Lane Gallery and now at Charleville Castle in association with Tullamore Gramophone Society.

The first performance was held on Sunday, June 19, a string quartet with John Finucane on Clarinet. As well as being an internationally-renowned Clarinetist, John is also a Professor of Music at RIAM. The programme included a Beethoven string quartet and Coleridge-Taylor clarinet quintet. The performers were delighted with the beautiful venue and the large appreciative audience and to quote John Finucane “I have to say it has one of the best acoustics I know.”

A well-attended winter concert with another very talented young quintet, which included local violist and music teacher Aoise O’Dwyer, was held in St. Catherine’s Church on Saturday, November 27. This concert also included a beautiful clarinet quintet, this time by Mozart and was played by clarinetist Cathal Killeen.

The fortnightly recitals of recorded music are the mainstay of the TGS programme. These are presented by the members themselves from September to May, with an occasional guest presenter. Some members are very musically knowledgeable and enjoy presenting a programme, while others like to sit back and enjoy a nice relaxing evening out.

During the Bealtaine Festival last May two members presented a Lunchtime Recital in Tullamore Library. Another recital is planned for Positive Age Week on Wednesday, September 28th from 1pm to 2pm.

Tullamore Gramophone Society members also support other musical events in the Midlands, such as Birr Festival of Music, Tullamore International Summer Organ Series, Derravaragh Music Association concerts at Tullynally Castle and traditional music sessions at the Rugby Club. Members are very much looking forward to the opening of the new Esker Arts Centre in High St. this autumn, which will be an exciting addition to the cultural life of the town.

While membership has kept up well, in spite of the recent lockdowns, new members are always welcome. Prospective members are welcome to join us in the Durrow Room of the Charleville Centre at our fortnightly get-togethers. The next Recital will be held on Thursday, September 22 at 8 pm, when the programme will be presented by committee members.