The Galway Music Residency’s ambitious new Lunchtime with ConTempo project entitled From Europe with Love continues next Tuesday 2nd October at 1:10pm in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. This three-year initiative celebrates the shared musical heritage of the European Union by exploring the string quartet repertoire from each of its 27 member countries. Speakers from the featured nations, embassies and local communities will introduce each concert providing unique personal perspectives on the music to be performed.

The town of Leeuwarden-Fryslân in the Netherlands currently holds the title of European Capital of Culture, one which is set to be bestowed on Galway in 2020. So it was only natural that the next stop on ConTempo’s tour of the EU would be this culturally rich nation. Beginning in the early 20th Century, ConTempo will take the audience on a rare and intriguing musical journey exploring the works three Dutch composers: Bob Hanf, a Jewish composer and artist who died in Auschwitz in 1944; Henriette Bosman, who during World War II refused to become a member of the Nazi Chamber of Culture and could only work and perform in secret; and Chiel Miejering, one of today’s most prominent Dutch composers and a favourite of Princess (previously Queen) Beatrix of the Netherlands.

So hop on your bicycle and come along for the ride. As the Dutch would say ‘Goede reis’ – have a good trip!

Proudly supported by NUI Galway (Education Partner), the Arts Council, GMIT, and Galway City and County Councils, admission to this event is free, open to all and early arrival is recommended. From Europe with Love will take place on the first Tuesday of each month (September-June excepting January) until June 2021.