Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne, has welcomed the renewed partnership between the Council and Newry Chamber Music. Established by artistic director Joanne Quigley McParland and her brother David Quigley in 2004, Newry Chamber Music presents a range of chamber music styles to local audiences.
This partnership supports the group’s ongoing mission to bring diverse, world-class performances and educational opportunities to the district, emphasising the transformative power of live music in the community.
Continued Council Support
The Council recently approved a £20,000 Service Level Agreement to help Newry Chamber Music deliver up to eight main series concerts a year, in addition to regular outreach projects in schools, care homes, and hospitals. Councillor Pete Byrne remarked, “We are delighted to have been able to support Newry Chamber Music again this year as part of our support of the arts within the district. Newry Chamber Music works with young people on developing their skills and before Christmas fulfilled a programme of arts outreach to our local schools.”
Highlighting a recent success, Councillor Byrne praised the Christmas Miscellany concert at Warrenpoint Town Hall, where over 70 local performers showcased their talents to more than 340 attendees. He added, “This festive celebration of music and talent truly embodied the spirit of our community.”
Fostering Local Talent and Development
Newry Chamber Music’s dedication to engaging communities extends through its year-round arts programme, which includes forming the Fews Ensemble in 2016. Comprised of highly respected musicians from across Europe, the Fews Ensemble brings a wide repertoire of chamber music to audiences, featuring both instrumentalists and singers.
Artistic director Joanne Quigley McParland emphasised the continued importance of local support: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and we look forward to building on this partnership in the years to come. The positive impact of the arts on society is well documented. In our work, we see first-hand the immeasurable impact and joy live music brings to people’s lives, be that in schools, care homes, community centres or concert halls.”
Upcoming Performance: Yukine Kuroki
Newry Chamber Music will also host the highly acclaimed Japanese pianist Yukine Kuroki, fresh from her win at the Dublin International Piano Competition, for a performance at Warrenpoint Town Hall at 7.30pm on 13 March 2025. This event is part of a countrywide tour presented by Music Network, and marks a rare opportunity for local audiences to hear one of this generation’s most celebrated pianists before she takes the stage at major venues such as Wigmore Hall and Carnegie Hall.
Joanne Quigley McParland commented, “It is such a privilege for us to partner with Music Network and host Yukine Kuroki in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music making. We hope she has a great experience here with us.” Tickets are £20 for adults and £10 for children (those aged 18 and under). They can be purchased at www.newrychambermusic.org/concerts.html or by email at concerts@newrychambermusic.org.
Looking Ahead
This renewed partnership underscores the vital role that live music and the arts play in local communities, fostering creativity and bolstering overall wellbeing. Residents are encouraged to support these upcoming performances and experience the transformative power of chamber music firsthand, helping to sustain Newry Chamber Music’s mission of enriching cultural life across the district.