Major news from the Music Festival in Great Irish Houses (Thursday, June 10th to Saturday, June 19th) is that Castletown House, newly renovated by the Office of Public Works, returns to the festival's schedules writes Michael Dervan. Castletown will host three events - the opening concert (Christ Church Baroque), the closing concert (pianist Hugh Tinney with the St Petersburg String Quartet), and a recital by mezzo soprano Patricia Bardon (Thursday 17th).
A new venue for the festival is Powerscourt House in Co Wicklow, where 1997 Guardian Piano Competition winner Max Levinson plays Bartok, Ravel and Schumann on Wednesday 16th (he can be heard in the same programme at Hillsborough Castle on Monday 14th). Other concerts are by leading Norwegian cellist, Truls Mrk (Killruddery, Friday 11th), British violinist, Tasmin Little (National Gallery, Saturday 12th), and Cork's Jupiter Ensemble (Birr Castle, Sunday 13th); there's also a Noel Coward evening at Carton House (Friday 18th). Ticket prices range from £12 to £30. Full details from: 01 278 5128.
