High jinks and late nights are likely this June when a series of chamber music recitals in great Irish houses begins.
Hugh Tinney, artistic director of this annual festival, says parties can be expected. Passion, youth and Ireland, are the themes of this year's line-up, so having fun is "absolutely vital, especially in Kilruddery House", says Tinney.
He promises "a tempestuous programme" from Finghin Collins, one of Ireland's youngest concert pianists, and the Callino Quartet, when they play Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms, in the Orangerie in Kilruddery House on Thursday, June 12th. The quartet are "all female, all Irish and all beautiful," adds Collins mischievously.
The young Irish soprano, Orla Boylan, is also scheduled to perform at the festival. "With her growing reputation abroad, this concert (on Friday, June 13th in King's Inns) will be a rare opportunity to hear her in recital," says Tinney.
More dates were ringed by guests at the light lunch in John Lynch's elegant riverside residence on Lower Ormond Quay, when details of the upcoming festival were announced. This is the festival's 33rd year.
Nine nights of classical music are planned for performance in some of Ireland's grandest and oldest residences - including Birr Castle, Castletown House and Powerscourt House.
Mark Duley and Michael Lee of Christchurch Baroque, a period instrument orchestra of the 18th century, were both at the lunch. The orchestra will perform in Castletown House on the last night of the festival, Saturday, June 14th, with Lynda Lee as soprano and Laurence Cummings as conductor.
Lady Meath, of Kilruddery House, came along, as did Judith Woodworth, of the National Concert Hall, Ted Marah, chief executive of festival sponsors IIB, and Laurie Cearr, the festival's administrator. For more information e-mail info@musicirishhouses.com or go to the festival website at www.musicirishhouses.com