Galway’s most spellbinding festival returns to explore how several long-lasting and wide-ranging empires and dynasties gave rise to some of the most stunning music across nearly six centuries of history. 

Through unique cross-pollinations and points of conflict and contact, we explore the Edges of Empires.

Our journeys begin in the Eastern realms of Europe: late medieval music from Polish and Bohemian sources with their variety and eclectic richness. These sumptuous sounds are played and sung with the crystalline combination of clavisimbalum, countertenor and recorder by acclaimed international artists Corina Marti and Doron Schleifer. 

The necessity of compact forces imposed by wartime was a constant reality for musicians. Harpsichordist Yonit Kosovske and emergist artist Leila Clarke-Carr demonstrate the ingenuity of composers in an intimate and reflective matinee recital.

Our second evening concert, From Siege to Siege, features Resurgam Choir and The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble. This richly-scored concert demonstrates the lavish sounds that the Habsburg courts developed in their pursuit of arts patronage, even as they lived in a century bookended by sieges and other armed conflicts. 

The everyday entertainment of citizens, courtly and common, is the theme of the festival’s community-centred workshop event, Court and Countryside: Singing and Dancing Together. We welcome all to join in madrigal singing and renaissance dances led by historical dance tutor Felicity Maxwell, conductor Mark Duley and members of Resurgam and The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble. Harpsichordist Corina Marti and Ukrainian multi-instrumentatl Vsevolod Sadovyj join the ensemble.

The June Bank Holiday Monday features two events presented in collaboration with Headfest, Headford’s community festival. For the very youngest early music fans, NightLight is a new concert from BabyLovesMusic. In the evening, acclaimed Irish ensemble The Gregory Walkers take to the HeadFest Marquee to share Dances and Songs from the Old Gaelic Order. 

And to culminate the festival, the esteemed Wroclaw Baroque Ensemble bring their premiere Irish tour to Galway on Sunday 9 June in a co-presentation with National Forum of Music (Poland). 

Music on the streets, dancing in the Church, music for babies and sounds across the ages. Join us for a music festival like no other.

Galway Early Music Festival

Friday 31 May – Monday 3 June, and Sunday 9 June