ICon Arts Ireland
Schedule
Thu, 30 Apr, 2026 at 10:00 am to Tue, 05 May, 2026 at 08:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Kilmore Abbey | Galway, GY
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UCIMR Announces the First Edition of the ICon Arts Ireland Academy, Part of the 24th Edition of the ICon Arts Transylvania AcademyThe Romanian Association of Music Performers (UCIMR) announces the 24th edition of the ICon Arts Festival, one of the longest-running festivals dedicated to classical music, jazz and some of the most vibrant creations in contemporary arts. Following the success of ICon Arts Transylvania and ICon Arts Roma in previous years, ICon Arts Ireland marks the international expansion of the ICon Arts Academy, alongside the continued development of its long-standing programmes in Romania.
Over six days, this year’s International Contemporary Arts (ICon Arts) edition, conceived as an inaugural format for a limited number of participants, will bring together 16 artists in the west of Ireland at Kylemore Abbey, in the Connemara region of County Galway, within an immersive setting shaped by the area’s cultural and ecclesiastical heritage.
“Founded in Transylvania and active for over two decades, the ICon Arts Academy has established itself as a benchmark for advanced music education and artistic exchange in Romania. The launch of ICon Arts Ireland is a natural continuation of this journey, reflecting the growth of international collaborations and educational partnerships developed over the years. The Romanian and Irish editions serve as complementary platforms, sharing the same artistic values and pedagogical principles, while being tailored to each specific cultural and geographical context.” – Sebastian Gheorghiu, Cultural Manager and Member of the UCIMR Board
ICon Arts Ireland consolidates the Romanian–Irish partnerships initiated many years ago, with organisations such as the Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) and the ConTempo Quartet being constant presences in UCIMR projects.
ICon Arts Ireland Academy
From 30 April to 5 May, the ICon Arts Ireland Academy will host masterclasses for university students and youngsters who wish to refine their technique. For six days, young musicians will attend masterclasses in composition, solo performance and chamber music, guided by renowned mentors from Romania, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
The programme includes: the composition masterclass led by Prof. Dan Dediu, with an ensemble comprising Cristina Țegzeșiu (oboe), Andreea Banciu (viola), Adrian Mantu (cello) and Aileen Cahill (piano); the chamber music masterclass led by Adrian Mantu (cello) and Duo ANIMA [Andreea Banciu (viola), Aileen Cahill (piano)]; and the violin masterclass led by Prof. Remus Azoiței.
ICon Arts Ireland Sections
Composition
Dan Dediu
Professor, The National University of Music Bucharest
President, Union of Composers and Musicologists from Romania (U.C.M.R.)
Artistic Director, World New Music Days 2026
Performers’ ensemble:
• Cristina Țegzeșiu (oboe)
• Andreea Banciu (viola)
• Adrian Mantu (cello)
• Aileen Cahill (piano)
Chamber Music
• Adrian Mantu (cello)
• Duo ANIMA
o Andreea Banciu (viola)
o Aileen Cahill (piano)
Violin
Remus Azoiței
Professor, Royal Academy of Music, London
Applications – ICon Arts Ireland
A limited number of places is available for each masterclass:
Composition: 4 places
Chamber Music: 6 places
Violin: 6 places
Details on the period and how to apply are available on www.IConArts.ro, in the ICon Arts Ireland section.
ICon Arts Transylvania Festival
The efforts of young musicians throughout the training programmes culminate in concerts and recitals scheduled for April and May, hosted by places of worship, institutions and private venues open for art. Alongside the participants, the ICon Arts Festival also brings together the mentors of the ICon Arts Academy masterclasses, who will perform in Ireland. This year’s edition offers an eclectic, multidisciplinary and multicultural programme, where musical virtuosity blends with the charm of Irish villages and towns and with tastings of traditional dishes.
Location – Kylemore Abbey
Set in the heart of the Connemara region, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s most emblematic cultural and architectural landmarks. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and woodland, the abbey offers an exceptional setting for artistic focus, creation and professional dialogue. Through its deep connection to education, heritage and spiritual life, Kylemore Abbey provides an ideal environment for advanced musical training and artistic immersion.
The project is organised by UCIMR – The Romanian Association of Music Performers, in collaboration with ICon Arts Partnership.
Partners: Kylmore Abbey, KenDu Music, The Contemporary Music Centre Ireland and The Union of Composers and Musicologists from Romania
About UCIMR
Founded in 1995 at the initiative of the principal violist of the Bucharest Philharmonic, Ștefan Gheorghiu, The Romanian Association of Music Performers is a non-profit public-benefit organisation that for three decades has contributed to the development and dissemination of classical music both nationally and internationally. UCIMR supports performing arts—from soloists, choristers and instrumentalists to dancers and ballet artists—by initiating and delivering cultural projects designed to facilitate exchange of experience and to promote artists in the widest possible range of contexts. UCIMR’s mission is to develop Romania’s cultural landscape by promoting authentic artistic values. The association creates opportunities for young artists while also supporting retired artists. In addition to the ICon Arts Festival, UCIMR organises landmark events with strong traditions, such as The Jazz Cave, CellEAST Festival, Romania’s National Day concerts and the Sibiu New Year Concert. Further details are available on the ICon Arts, ICon Arts Festival and UCIMR websites.
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Where is it happening?
Kilmore Abbey, Kylemore, Connemara, Co.Galway, Galway, IrelandEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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