Galway

<p>International conductor and award-winning composer, Eímear Noone, officially opened the Galway International Arts Festival 2024 at the Galmont Hotel. The Kilconnell native and Trinity College graduate made history by becoming the first female conductor to perform at the 92nd Academy Awards’ ceremony in 2020.</p>
<p>Speaking at the opening of GIAF, she described the influence the festival had on her as a child growing up in Co. Galway, and the inspiration she uncovered to pursue her music career.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Alongside composing film and video games scores, Eímear conducts orchestras worldwide, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, amongst others.</p>
<h4>World Class Festival:</h4>
<p>“Since 1978, this festival has brought the world stage to Galway, highlighting world-class theatre, music, and art on our streets, and in our familiar spaces and theatres," she said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine that if the world stage is An Taibhdhearc, there might be a little room for a Galway girl on it. It’s people like John (Crumlish) and Paul (Fahy) who make this possible for young Galwegians, and I am still a young Galwegian.”</p>
<p>In a lighthearted address to the gathered crowd, she spoke of how her passion was nurtured by immersion in the arts at home and abroad.</p>
<p>“The number one group I owe things to is the Irish taxpayer,” she exclaimed, bringing a chuckle to the audience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“The people of Ireland gave me an education in the arts that took me all over the world. I don’t just mean to places, but the chance to collaborate with artists from completely different backgrounds to mine. This enhanced my understanding of the human experience, who I am as an artist, musician, how I think, feel, and relate to other people from other cultures.”</p>
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<h6>Pictured at the Opening of the Galway International Arts Festival 2024: L-R: Avril Horan, Editorial Content Xplore, Adele Ó Meallaigh, Salthill, Laura Browne, Knocknacarra.</h6>
<h4>The Treasure of Humankind:</h4>
<p>For Eímear, the importance of the Galway International Arts Festival for the local community cannot be underestimated.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Music students spend everything we have on our instruments and travelling to masterclasses. We are always skint. I remember thinking I have nothing right now, but I am rich.</p>
<p>&nbsp;“If I walk into a gallery or a library, the riches of the world are there for me to behold, experience, and share. This is the treasure of humankind.”</p>
<h4>A Collector of Treasures:</h4>
<p>“That’s what Paul does. Paul is an impresario, a collector of treasures. He goes around the world finding beautiful things, collecting them, and bringing them to us in Galway.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“I’ve always felt that about art. Art is treasure. My passion is to share it. Every town where I programme a concert, it’s like making a mix tape.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“It’s the excitement you feel when you find something new and can’t wait to share it with your best mate or make a tape for your boyfriend.”</p>
<p>Concluding her speech, she encouraged everyone to “please open the treasure chest” and delve into the magic, creativity and mayhem the festival has to offer.&nbsp;</p>
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<h5>Pictured at the launch of the GIAF Opening night at the Galmont Hotel: Evelyn Cormican, Galway and Avril Horan, Moycullen.&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Introducing Eímear, <strong>GIAF Artistic Director, Paul Fahy,</strong> remarked how she uncovered her creative motivation at an early age.</p>
<p>“It was a pleasure to hear someone as accomplished and celebrated still talk with such passion about what makes her get out of bed every day,” he said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Your passion, commitment, and dedication are incredible. It helps all of us to experience the world in a very different way. It makes us more considerate, allowing us to look with a more caring lens and get out there and do better things.”</p>
<h4>The Wonderful Work of Artists:</h4>
<p>At the event, <strong>CEO of GIAF, John Crumlish </strong>thanked all those involved.</p>
<p>“It’s always quite amazing to me that there are only 26 letters in the alphabet, eight notes in an octave, and seven colours in the spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Out of that, artists create such wonderful work. Over 31 venues in two weeks, they manage to use that alchemy to make things so wonderful that they move us, intrigue us, engage us, and thrill us on screen, stages, walls, and streets. I’d just like to say I am very grateful to all those artists in the programme. It really is a privilege to present your work. Also, it is a great hope for us that you enjoy the festival.”</p>
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<h4><strong>A Cultural Celebration:</strong></h4>
<p>For Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane, the Galway International Arts Festival is a celebration of the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Galway.</p>
<p>“The festival significantly contributes to our city's cultural richness and enhances our international reputation as a cultural hub,” he said.</p>
<p>“Rooted deeply in Galway, the festival’s influence extends beyond our borders, attracting tourists from the UK, the US, and indeed Australia. It serves as an ambassador, showcasing the unique artistic spirit of Galway to audiences worldwide.”</p>
<h4>A Realm of Spectacle:</h4>
<p>“In 2023, GIAF delivered over 600 performances from 32 locations, attracting attendances in excess of 400,000 people. The cultural and financial dividends to the city and region are immense, transforming Galway into a magical realm of spectacle with world-class events right on our doorstep,” he said.</p>
<p>The Galway International Arts Festival takes place from July 15th-28th. For more see <a href="https://www.giaf.ie/" target="_blank">Galway Arts Festival Website</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Images courtesy of Evelyn Cormican.</p>


From Oscars to Galway: Conductor Eímear Noone Opens GIAF 2024

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