Celebrated for her captivating expression, soaring tone and fearless virtuosity, Irish violinist Mairéad Hickey’s natural ability to communicate with beauty and integrity has entranced audiences worldwide. Mairéad will perform with Wicklow-born Fiachra Garvey, a multi award-winning pianist and the Festival’s Artistic Director, who is widely recognised for the infectious enthusiasm of his masterful performances.

Together they will present four extraordinary masterpieces for violin and piano, taking us from the noble intensity of Brahms’ First Violin Sonata to the contrasting darkness and light in Debussy’s swansong Sonata. In the second half of the programme, Deirdre McKay’s “a quarter million miles from the moon”, which takes its inspiration from the immense quietude of space, is the calm before the irresistible drama of Richard Strauss.

“…magical, penetrating to the heart and soul of the music.” (New York Epoch Times on Mairéad Hickey)

“…a deep and infectious enthusiasm, combined with insight and technical comfort” (Sunday Times on Fiachra Garvey)

PROGRAMME:

Brahms Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 78

Debussy Violin Sonata in G minor

Deirdre McKay “a quarter million miles from the moon”

Strauss Violin Sonata in Eb Major, Op. 18