Founded by twin sisters Julie-Anne and Aisling Manning along with their cousin Deirdre Brenner, the Boyne Music Festival celebrates 10 years in the heart of Drogheda's Boyne Valley with 4 days of chamber music, poetry and song this 27th - 30th July.
This very special anniversary marks an important milestone for the festival, which continues a long tradition of music in the area, from traditional, to contemporary and classical.
Below, explore some highlights from this year's programme from the Boyne Music Festival team:
Deirdre Brenner recommends: Opening Night at Slane Castle, 27th July @ 8pm
This year we open the festival at Slane Castle, the first time we're hosting an event here. I couldn't be more excited about this new partnership and the chance to present a glorious evening of chamber music in this iconic location.
The concert will feature works by Pablo Casals, Osvoldo Golijov, Peter Sculthorpe and Caroline Shaw with poetry by John Noonan. As this is our opening celebration we’re also hosting a special 3-course dinner at the castle in advance of the concert, showcasing local cuisine and ingredients.
The perfect start to our 10th anniversary party!
Julie-Anne Manning recommends: Home, Townley Hall, 28th July @ 8pm
We couldn’t talk about highlights without mentioning Townley Hall - our home from home. This special place has become an integral part of the festival, and we’re thrilled to be returning once again for our 10th anniversary celebrations.
On Friday evening we’ll be presenting Home, a concert featuring contemporary, classical and traditional Irish music. The concert features fiddler Zoë Conway, guitarist John Mc Intyre and many more BMF artists in original compositions by Zoë. The concert will also include music by Paul Frost, Anna Pidgorna, and Charles Villiers Stanford.
Aisling Manning recommends: Family Day, 29 July, 10.00am workshop & 1pm concert, St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda
Each year we hold a special day just for all the little music lovers out there. This year, I’m really looking forward to performing The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns in our Family Concert on 29 July which featured in our very first festival. I vividly remember how enthralled the children were upon hearing it.
Before the family concert, there’ll be a children’s workshop presented by clarinettist extraordinaire, Jessie Grimes, exploring the wild and wonderful sounds of the animal kingdom. Anyone who has seen Jessie’s recent work with Music in the Classroom and the National Symphony Orchestra, will know this is a morning not to be missed!
The Boyne Music Festival runs from 27 - 30 July with events at Townley Hall, Slane Castle and St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda - find out more here.
