ConTempo Countywide - Claregalway Castle

Galway Music Residency's penultimate programme in their musical journey through the Celtic Calendar this November celebrates Samhain. ConTempo Quartet will perform a varied repertoire as part of GMR’s ConTempo Countywide initiative in the Claregalway Castle on Saturday 16 November at 7pm.

Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It is thought of as a time when the veil between the living and the dead is thinner making it possible to commune with spirits and for these spirits to cross the veil. Samhain is traditionally celebrated with bonfires – which are said to have cleansing and protective powers – and is the most significant of the fire festivals. GMR's Samhain programme features an ethereal and otherworldly selection of repertoire to reflect these themes.

Galway Music Residency's International Guest Artist Residence – Estonian Electronic Musician and Composer Sander Saarmets will join ConTempo Quartet for a programme of Estonian and Irish works. Featured composers will include Arvo Pärt Estonia’s most celebrated and beloved composer Tõnu Kõrvits Sander Saarmets and Galway’s own Jane O’Leary.

Entry is free all are welcome. Donations are welcome. No booking is required.

This event is part of Galway Music Residency International Guest Artist Residency Programme 2024. This programme is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland's International Residency Schemes Initiatives. Galway Music Residency is delighted to partner with the Arvo Pärt Centre and the Estonian Centre of Contemporary Music. Thank you also to the Estonian Embassy in Dublin.

Host or Publisher Galway Music Residency