Waterford International Organ Festival

Two contrasting concerts in Christ Church Cathedral, with lunch between.

The first was Simffoni Mara - a trio of singer, piano and cello.  Simffoni Mara had also put on a concert in Wexford yesterday, and I had considered fitting it in before the evening concert.  But then, as I was reading about them to see if the extra driving was worth it, I realised that they were also due to play in Waterford the following day.  Their concept is interesting - a celebration of the links between South Wales and South East Ireland.  I had not realised that the nearest (as the crow flies) cathedral to St Davids in Wales is actually St Aidens, in Ferns, County Wexford.  Their concert was a demonstration that contemporary classical music does not HAVE to be challenging to listen to.  We enjoyed it.  They did one short piece with Simon Harden on the organ.

After that, we went to the cafe at the Bishop's Palace for a leisurely, and very tasty, lunch.  Then sat an enjoyed the sun for a while.

The second concert was with the Far Flung Trio.  We've been to their concerts before (the same one, twice!) and several weeks ago, when I saw that they were doing a concert as part of the WIOF, I immediately booked it.  Their obvious joy in playing together is so infectious, and their talent huge.  I recommend you follow some of the links in my link to their videos.  They too included Simon on the organ, playing an adaptation (all their pieces are adaptations, because who actually writes music for a trio of violin, accordion and double bass?) of a Haydn organ concerto.