New dates have been announced for two concerts celebrating the 150th anniversary of acclaimed composer and pianist Rachmaninov.
Elégie: Rachmaninov – A Heart in Exile was due to take place last month as the opening of Music for Galway’s annual concert season.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the two musical events had to be postponed.
Music for Galway has now confirmed two new dates for the concerts, which will take place next week in Galway City and Athenry.
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Wednesday, October 18 – 7.30pm | The Hardiman Ballroom, Galway
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Thursday, October 19 – 8.00pm | Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry
“I am a ghost forever wandering the world” These are the words of Rachmaninov who spent the second part of his life in self-imposed political exile – mainly in America – having been forced from his homeland in 1918 by consequences of the Russian Revolution.
At the age of 44, he left Moscow for Sweden on an open sleigh, accompanied by his wife and two daughters and carrying nothing but a suitcase. He was never to return – but he left his heart forever in Russia.
UK pianist Lucy Parham and actor Simon Russell Beale will tell the extraordinary story of his life through both music and words.
Acknowledged as one of Britain’s finest pianists, Lucy Parham applies her sensitivity and imagination not only to concertos and recitals, but also to portraits in words and music.
These are often narrated by acclaimed actors, in this case Simon Russell Beale, bringing to like the works of such composers as Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Clara Schumann and Debussy.
Since her Royal Festival Hall concerto debut at the age of 16, she has played throughout the UK as concerto soloist with most of the major British orchestras and is a frequent recitalist at the Wigmore Hall.
Sir Simon Russel Beale is an English actor know for television, film, and theatre. He gained prominence for his roles in Persuasion (1995), Hamlet (1996), My Week with Marilyn (2011), Mary Queen of Scots (2018), and more.
Beale started his acting career at the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre. He has received ten Laurence Olivier Award nominations, winning three awards for his performances in Volpone (1996), Candide (2000), and Uncle Vanya (2003).
He has received numerous accolades including two BAFTA Awards, three Olivier Awards, and a Tony Award. For his services to drama, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019
Ticket prices are Standard €20; Concession €18; Social Inclusion €6; MfG Friends €16 and can be booked from www.musicforgalway.ie or 091 705962.
