February 2007 Music for Galway Archive goes to NUI Galway

Marie Reddan, Librarian, NUI Galway; Professor Jim Browne, Registrar, NUI Galway and Jane O Leary, Music for Galway

12 February 2007: To mark the 25th anniversary of Music for Galway, the archive was recently presented to the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway. The Archive was accepted by the Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Jim Browne at a reception in the Aula Maxima attended by friends of the University and Music for Galway, and enjoyed a musical interlude from Galway's Quartet in Residence, ConTempo.

The archive is a rich mix of programmes, posters, reviews, press cuttings, photographs, correspondence and minute books. It is a major addition to the Library's existing archival collections, of An Taibhdhearc, Druid, Galway Arts Festival and Macnas, which highlight the artistic and cultural life of Galway over the years.

Accepting the archive on behalf of NUI Galway, Prof. Jim Browne said: "The University is delighted to accept this very special collection, given the long association between Music for Galway and the University. The development of Music for Galway is such a concrete example of active citizenship. The archive will be a resource for scholars and citizens alike, and will undoubtedly provide a rich research resource for those engaged in charting Galway's cultural and social history over the last 25 years".

Music for Galway began 25 years ago with a concert by the Ulster Orchestra, intended to raise funds for a Steinway grand piano for Galway. The piano moved into the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway in 1981 and since then hundreds of concert performances have been organised by Music for Galway with performers from all over the world.

Five years ago Music for Galway initiated the Ensemble in Residence project, which brought ConTempo Quartet to Galway. Special moments over the past quarter century have included Yehudi Menuhin's visit, Nigel Kennedy's early performances in Galway, performances of the complete cycle of Beethoven Piano Sonatas by Robert Taub, the Hallé Orchestra's appearance in Seapoint, and many more.

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For further information contact: Marie Redden, Librarian, James Hardiman Library at 091-492540 or by email: marie.reddan@nuigalway.ie