The 2014 West Cork Chamber Music Festival throws opens its doors from 27th June to 5th July, welcoming a star-studded cast of international musicians.
Each year the Festival welcomes visitors from as far afield as the Middle East and Australia who always enjoy its consistently stellar calibre of esteemed guests. This year one of the leading violinists of her generation Alina Ibragimova will be joined by renowned German cellist Alban Gerhardt; the much-admired singers Ruby Hughes, Maria Keohane and Allison Bell; French pianists Cédric Pescia, Cédric Tiberghien and Philippe Cassard; German violinist Carolin Widman and many more.
Four world class quartets will also perform during the week: the Vanbrugh Quartet from Ireland, Doric String Quartet from Britain, Zemlinsky Quartet from Czechoslovakia and the Danish String Quartet making a much-awaited return to West Cork.
The popular morning talks hosted by seasoned broadcaster Evelyn Grant return to the Brick Oven Restaurant in Bantry Square as usual, there will also be a week-long Violin and Bow Making Exhibition in the Old Cinema (which will be complemented by three talks during the week by the exhibiting luthiers) and as always, young talent is nurtured and catered for with a week long programme of masterclasses which will give young musicians the benefit of the virtuosos' experience.
