Music

Dick O’Riordan’s classical notes: Iconic houses festival changes its focus to Dublin

The Great Music in Irish Houses is back after an enforced break of two years with a new name – the Dublin International Chamber Music Festival – and a focus on the capital city

Young Brazilian star violinist Nathan Amaral, who will perform in the Dublin International Chamber Music Festival. He began playing music at the age of 12 after being recruited in a social project that took kids off the streets of the favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Picture: Rodrigo Rosenthal

The first Great Music in Irish Houses concert took place at Castletown House in 1970, a time when drumming up financial support for such events was a real struggle. Getting superb musicians from home and abroad to play the festival, however, has never been an issue. That record was maintained under the admirable stewardship of people such as Hugh Tinney and Judy Woodworth, while discerning duo Ciara Higgins and Laurie Cearr are its current directors.