I am just off the boat after a 24 hour trip to Fishguard. Following years of travelling through the Pembrokeshire ferry port en-route to London, I decided to make the Welsh coastal town my end destination rather than merely a pit stop. I was encouraged by an extremely attractive programme at the 10 day annual classical music festival and the prospect of discovering new territory practically on my doorstep,. But the excursion hit the rocks early on Tuesday when the meaning of the term 'missing the boat' was fully impressed on me. I found myself on the wrong side of the rising gangway contemplating an Indiana Jones style leap onto the soon-to-depart ferry. I made a second attempt on Thursday and at 9.00am I was afloat and on my way to catch the last day of the Fishguard Music Festival. I was glad that I did. I had a terrific day. There was sunshine and exhiliarating performances. I met interesting people, discovered some extraordinary venues and upstairs in the Town Hall, I found a local treasure that would have merited the trip alone.
Pianos: In the afternoon, Peter Donohoe and Martin Roscoe shared the second and third of Beethoven's opus 31 sonatas as a prelude to an evening of piano duos. The magnificent oak timbered concert hall in the rural retreat, Rhosygilwen was a stunning, light filled venue. There was a pause for supper in the orangery and picnics in the courtyard before the evening programme of piano duos performed on two pianos. We heard SaintSaens Variations on a Theme of Beethoven's Sonata no 3 picking up a thread in the afternoon programme. As the evening wore on, Mozart and Brahms gave way to the impressionist, Debussy, In the fading evening light of the fine Summer evening, Prelude de'lapres midi d'un faune' shimmered with the luxury of two sets of piano strings before all hell broke loose in a visceral performance of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.. Peter Donohoe's evocative context setting introductions conjured up images of Debussy and Stravinsky playing through the work in Paris salon. Debussy's nocturne Fetes, was an exuberant celebration rather rather than a shadowy affair heard at a adistance.
I was thrilled to meet performer and joint artistic director, Peter Donohoe who generously gave me a post-show interview. Do listen to Donohoe talking about the importance of Spring to the Russin psyche and about the recent stepping up of his involvement in becoming joint Artistic Director of the Fishguard Festival. Hear his eloquent insights into the bond between Stravinsky and Debussy and his changing view of the groundbreaking 'Rite of Spring'.
'Build it and they will come' At the interval, a gentleman was delivering fliers on forthcoming events at the venue. I discovered later that he was in fact our host, Glen Peters, MD of Western Solar who built the striking concert venue on the grounds of his home. He spoke to me about how the decision to build came about and the inspiration for the design. Listen to Glen Peters on the architectural design of the concert hall. https://audioboom.com/users/102528/boos
The venue was full with 300 or so patrons for the closing recital. I enjoyed talking to composer Geraint Lewis about the arts in Wales. It was good to meet Gaye Williams, the face behind the digital marketing platforms at the 2015 festival. The bus to the concert was full but this was Pembrokeshire and I was not left on the side of the road. I am grateful to Boyd Williams for getting me there and back.
Have a listen to Festival team member Boyd Williams summing up of the event at https://audioboom.com/boos/3424637-boyd-williams
Tapestries: The Last Invasion Tapestry: Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, the tapestry tells the story of the last invasion by the French forces and the formidable Jemima Nicholas who captured a battalian with her pitch fork (that may be overstating slightly but you get the picture) This woman should have her own opera written about her. We don't know who stitched the Bayeux tapestry but you can watch the video and hear many of the seventy ladies involved in this marvellous community project.I was struck by the parallels with another community tapestry unveiled about the same time. The port side town New Ross is home to the Ros Tapestry.and also host of a music festival shaped by a pianist. The New Ross Piano Festival takes place on 24th-27th September under director Finghin Colllins
Pasties: I spnt a happy hour in Ffwrn Meaning oven, an amazing bakery, cum bar, cum bistrot. Pianos in various states of repair are arrayed around. The central piece is the oven out of which emerge pasties of Finn McCool proportions. Listen the Rod Smith about the Ffwrn and the forthcoming bagpipe festival at the venue. Coming back for the crab hammer plank.
What else is on? The event schedule for Rhosgilwen Retreat includes a literary weekend in September and a weekend Schubertiade in October. Check it out here Fishguard is home to the weekend Aber Jazz Festival in August and a Folk festival in May. FFwrn hosts a Bagpipe Festival in October
http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/explore-pembrokeshire/towns-and-villages/fishguard-and-goodwick/
Fishguard International Music Festival is a ten day festival that runs at the end of July. Events were very keenly priced there was a good spread of events to suit a range of tastes. Tickets for final day concerts -£18 combined price for two recitals, remarkable value.
How to get there: Boat is best. Some of the venues are walking distance from the ferry. Stena Line operate twice daily sailings to Fishguard from Rosslare. (9.00am and 9pm returning at 2.30am and 2.30pm ) There are great value short hops with or without car. A return 24 hour ticket costs €42 booked online with a €5 supplement booked as a roll up at the terminal
Getting around: The festival runs a bus to some of the larger events in the festival but for a longer stay, I would recommend taking your car.
Where to Stay: There are lots of attractive options. For a high end B&;B experience try Cefny dre . Cefn-y-Dre Country House, who offer evening meals with a Ballymaloe trained owner.
Such an honest and graphic description of the Festival and Fishguard. Now tempted to visit New Ross for the piano festival.
ReplyDeletePlease come - you will enjoy it - friendly small town, international top-class pianists. September 24th - 27th.
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