FESTIVAL WELCOME 2009

Alec O'Leary - Festival Director Welcome to the Waltons Guitar Festival of Ireland taking place from 1 - 5 July, 2009. The festival, now in its sixth year, is a world-class music event and features a programme of great performances, showcasing the best in classical, jazz, folk and world music in some of Dublin's finest venues.

Over the course of its existence, the Waltons Guitar Festival of Ireland has been transformed from a genre-based festival to a more eclectic series of events that now spans the boundaries of an incredibly diverse instrument. The constant development and expansion of the festival has been made possible by the untiring support of Waltons and the Arts Council. Never afraid to take chances the festival team have, to date, produced an impressive array of the best in live guitar music with ground-breaking collaborations from internationally acclaimed musicians as well as from innovative new artists.

This year the festival leads with a joint opening-concert by 'Woodroad' to celebrate the Waltons Guitar Festival of Ireland and the Farmleigh Summer Cultural Programme. It will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Farmleigh courtesy of the OPW. Expect a unique concert of laid-back Brazilian lullabies, fiery tangos, graceful Scarlatti and riotous Klezmer. With the guitar playing of Alec O'Leary and bewitchingly mellow clarinet lines from Deirdre O’Leary, this is one to treat yourself to. The following day grammy award winner David Russell performs in what will be a spectacular concert. As you may recall his last performance here was in the 2005 WGFI (sold out) and the return of David Russell to Irish shores has already sparked a flurry of public interest, so early booking is highly recommended. In the realm of classical guitar, there is a small handful of luminaries whose concerts and recordings have earned them international stature and garnered favor with audiences, music critics, and concert presenters around the world. Grammy award winner David Russell is one of these.

Friday 3rd July we have the brilliant young Polish guitarist Krzysztof Pelech making his Irish debut. That evening the true spirit of Argentine tango comes to Vicar St. with dancers, bandoneon, voice and guitars in a much anticipated concert entitled Tango & Friends. This fascinating vocal-instrumental performance is mixed with the choreographies of two tango dancers in a night of passion, seduction and sensuality. Not to be missed.

On Saturday 4th July the great Italian virtuoso guitarist Flavio Cucchi makes his festival debut and later that evening in the National Concert Hall you can see the great 'Royal Family of the Guitar' - Los Romeros. A veritable institution in the world of classical music, the Los Romeros quartet has dazzled countless audiences and has won the praise of reviewers worldwide (early booking advised).

Past festival favourite and longtime supporter of the festival John Feeley, hailed as Ireland's leading classical guitarist, will be performing on Sunday. To finish the festival off on a high note American phenomenon Andy McKee will make his long-awaited festival debut at 8pm on Sunday 5th July in the Sugar Club.

There are also many opportunities to study with these world renowned musicians at the Festival. With more than twenty different events, you're sure to find musical adventures that will delight you, your friends and your family. We look forward to meeting you there!

Alec O'Leary
Festival Director

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