Music and the Written Word
The closing concert explores the enduring relationship between music and literature. Beethoven’s passionate Kreutzer Sonata, which inspired Tolstoy’s novella of the same name, takes centre stage in a programme which also includes works born of Shakespeare’s timeless characters. Rarely heard musical gems include Korngold's Suite from Much Ado About Nothing, a witty musical description of Sir Augucheek (Twelfth Night) by Paul Patterson (premiered at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Festival in 2005 by Joanne and David) and Debussy's La Danse de Puck, all woven together with sonnets and excerpts from the Bard's extraordinary output.
Performers:
Joanne Quigley McParland – Violin
David Quigley – Piano
Actor – TBC
Romantic Transformations
This concert brings together the emotional depth and textural richness of the late Romantic era. Brahms’ String Sextet in G major, Schoenberg’s richly romantic tone poem Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) and the Sextet prelude from Capriccio by Richard Strauss unfold side by side with a brand new work by the acclaimed Irish composer Amy Rooney, specially commissioned for The Fews Ensemble.
Performers:
Stephanie Gonley – Violin
Joanne Quigley McParland – Violin
Rose Redgrave – Viola
Joel Hunter – Viola
Jonathan Aasgaard – Cello
Nick Trygstad – Cello
Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time
Olivier Messiaen’s extraordinary Quartet for the End of Time, composed in a prisoner of war camp in 1941, stands as one of the 20th century’s most radiant works — a meditation on faith, time, and transcendence. Scored for the unusual combination of clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, its stillness and ecstasy are given voice in the resonant atmosphere of Carlingford Heritage Centre.
Performers:
David Quigley – Piano
Joanne Quigley McParland – Violin
Francesco Paolo Scola – Clarinet
Jonathan Aasgaard – Cello
Nightfall: Violin & Piano
Joanne Quigley McParland (violin) and Danny O'Neill (piano) close the season with a reflective, intimate recital by candlelight. Music by John Williams, Einaudi, Korngold, Bernstein and Philip Glass to name but a few. A chance to slow down and relax in a reverie of beautiful sounds and colours.
Bloomsday at The Quays
Celebrate James Joyce's Dublin with an evening of song, story, and Irish musical tradition. Joanne Quigley McParland, Aaron O'Hare, Fiona Flynn, and Danny O'Neill join forces for a joyful tribute to Joyce and the particular genre of Edwardian parlour music he enjoyed. There are many musical references throughout his works, from the hauntingly beautiful Silent O'Moyle to Love's Old Sweet Song. We explore many of these pieces interspersed with some passages from his works. An evening for those who enjoy a touch of old world charm, fine words and music, and good company.
Elgar & Vaughan Williams: English Voices
Poetry, landscape, and the English spirit
Edward Elgar’s Piano Quintet in A minor and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ On Wenlock Edge capture both the grandeur and intimacy of the English musical imagination. Rooted in poetry and landscape, these works intertwine melancholy, tenderness, and timeless beauty - a fittingly evocative opening to The Fews Ensemble’s 2026 season at Carlingford Heritage Centre.
Performers:
Aaron O’Hare – Tenor
David Quigley – Piano
Joanne Quigley McParland – Violin
Tom Jackson – Violin
Jonathan Aasgaard – Cello
Viola – TBC
Echoes and Inspirations: The Fews Ensemble at Carlingford Heritage Centre
Ensemble in Residence 2026 — Funded by The Arts Council of Ireland
As Ensemble in Residence at Carlingford Heritage Centre, The Fews Ensemble presents Echoes and Inspirations — a four concert journey through music that draws on memory, faith, and imagination.
Candlelight Classics: The Arco String Quartet
A intimate candlelight concert for those who appreciate the particularly special quality of sound that a string quartet brings to music of any genre. The exceptionally talented Arco String Quartet was founded in 2003 by husband and wife Clare and Richard Hadwen when they were both members of the Ulster Orchestra. Through their versatile sound and artistic excellence they have firmly established themselves as one of the leading ensembles on the island. Constantly pushing boundaries, Arco specialise in performance of music from all genres from high classical to rock and pop. Their flexibility has made them a favourite quartet of recording artists and they have collaborated with such artists as Snow Patrol, Duke Special, Liam Gallagher, Voy Vance, Beoga and The Villagers. In this concert they bring a selection of their favourite quartet arrangements spanning film, rock, pop and classical music. Not to be missed!
Quayside Sessions
Join us at the NCM Hub at The Quays, Newry for an intimate new concert series. Four evenings of exceptional music-making in our unique venue—from Ulster Scots song to candlelit strings, Bloomsday celebrations to quiet reflection. With just 50 seats per concert, these are performances to experience up close.
Festival Finale – Reflections on the Waltz
Leading British pianist Steven Osborne takes our inaugural piano festival to a glittering close with a beautifully crafted programme of music with the waltz at the heart of it. The festival culminates with Schubert’s mighty sonata in Bb major.