MFG Midwinter Festival 2022: Opening concert celebrating the music of Sir Charles Villiers Stanford

For its 2022 Midwinter Festival, Music for Galway shines a light on a largely unsung hero of music history, the Irish composer Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. While many music-lovers might have a passing acquaintance with some of his choral music, the scope and breadth of his extensive musical output is worthy of far greater recognition. The influence and legacy of Stanford as one of the 20th century’s most important composition teachers is hard to overstate. Throughout the weekend, alongside chamber and vocal works by Stanford himself, we hear music by composers who influenced him, but also by many of the composers who studied with him in London.

“Mr. Stanford’s music is dramatically significant, as well as beautiful in itself. It has, moreover, that quality so are among modern composers – style.” The Times, London.

“Stanford’s teaching seemed to be without method or plan. His criticism consisted for the most part of “I like it, my boy,” or “It’s damned ugly, my boy” (the latter in most cases). In this, perhaps, lay its value.” His pupil, Edgar Bainton.

Performers

Sharon Carty, mezzo-soprano; Finghin Collins, piano; Ríona Ó Duinnín, flute; ConTempo Quartet.

Programme

Schumann / Stanford / Bridge - Selected songs
Reinecke - Flute Sonata “Undine” Op. 167
Stanford - String Quartet No. 6 Op. 122

Tickets

Tickets for both the in-person concert and live-stream option are available via the Town Hall Theatre, here.