The third Chamber Music in Retreat Lodges Festival began yesterday in Rossbeigh, Co Kerry. The rather unusual title refers to the fact that musicians from all over Ireland and Britain have gathered in the holiday lodges at Rossbeigh to practise before performing at four venues in Munster as part of the festival.
During the practice sessions, chamber music lovers and the public will be able to attend the lodges where masterclasses will be given to music students. The Tralee School of Music will be the second venue for masterclasses.
This year's festival celebrates the 250th anniversary of the birth of J.S. Bach. His cantatas will be performed with a full supporting programme, beginning on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Rosscarbery Cathedral, west Cork; on Sunday at St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore, Co Waterford, at 4 p.m; Monday at 8 p.m. at St Patrick's Church, Kenmare, Co Kerry; and on Tuesday, also at 8 p.m. at St John's Church of Ireland, Tralee. The musical director of the non-profit-making festival is Ms Juliet Jopling.