Hi °C | Lo °C 
I drew attention last week to a new chamber music festival which is currently happening in Londonderry — The Walled City Music Festival.
Another summer music festival which, after seven years, is now a well-established feature of our seasonal calendar is the Clandeboye Summer Music Festival. As its title suggests, it takes place in the unique environment of the rural estate of Lady Dufferin, the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava.
As with most ventures of this kind, it takes the energy and enthusiasm of one person in particular to make sure the events build up momentum over the years; someone who has sufficient artistic and, dare one say, political (with a small “p”) savvy to bring together those vital friends and funds.
International pianist Barry Douglas is the catalyst for the Clandeboye Festival. With the added incentive of his Camerata Ireland orchestra, Barry annually offers aspiring Irish musicians opportunities to perform in their own country and abroad. This type of exposure in concert with well-established musicians from other countries is an invaluable experience, creating new networks practically and intellectually.
Clandeboye Festival (August 17-22) has several concerts open to the public. For details, visit www.camerata-ireland.com
phammond13@hotmail.com
