Music by composer James Wilson will be performed at the first New Ross Piano Festival.

Music for New Ross is a voluntary group, set up in 1995 to promote classical, jazz and traditional music within the area. This year they are running their first weekend festival, focussing on classical piano music.

Hugh Tinney will perform James Wilson's Orison as part of the opening concert. The second movement of this work was completed in March 2005, and it is therefore one of the composer's last works.

The festival will also feature performances by Micéal O’Rourke, Finghín Collins, Michael McHale, Archie Chen and the ConTempo String Quartet, Galway's ensemble–in-residence.

The festival includes lunchtime and coffee concerts designed to attract families and younger people and a masterclass for young postgraduate pianists in addition to the three main concerts.

The New Ross Piano Festival runs from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October 2006. See Calendar for details.

Posted: 9 August 2006