Ailbhe McDonagh & John O'Connor

Two Irish stars of the international music scene join forces to bring a serene afternoon of music for cello and piano.

Two Irish stars of the international music scene join forces to bring a serene afternoon of music for cello and piano.  With works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Nadia Boulanger, Shostakovich and McDonagh there is something for everyone to love.

Ailbhe McDonagh is an internationally recognised cellist known for her work as both a soloist and chamber musician. Praised by Fanfare Magazine for her “flawless technique, faultless intonation, and a strong yet meltingly sweet tone,” she has built a distinguished career through performances, recordings, and broadcasts that have reached audiences around the world.

As an accomplished chamber musician, Ailbhe collaborates with the acclaimed pianist John O’Conor and with Irish violinist Lynda O’Connor. She is a member of the Ficino Ensemble and performs regularly with many other chamber music ensembles in Ireland and internationally.

"A pianist of unbounding sensitivity" (Gramophone) ; "He represents a vanishing tradition that favors inner expression and atmosphere over showmanship and bravura" (Chicago Tribune). The Irish pianist John O'Conor has been gathering wonderful reviews for his masterly playing for over fifty years. Having studied in his native Dublin, in Vienna with Dieter Weber and being tutored by the legendary Wilhelm Kempff his unanimous 1st Prize at the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna in 1973 opened the door to a career that has brought him all around the world.

Programme

Beethoven                  G minor Sonata Op.5 No.2

Mendelssohn            Lied Ohne Worte Op. 109

Nadia Boulanger     Trois Pieces pour Violoncelle

Shostakovich            Cello and Piano Sonata

McDonagh                  Skellig

McDonagh             Valentia

McDonagh                  World Premiere!