The second Sligo Early Music Festival swings into action tonight at the Model Arts Centre, writes Michael Dervan. The focus of this year's programme is Italian influence on music-making in Ireland during the 18th century, and the opening concert, by Sligo's Early Music Ensemble and Amaryllis Singers, aims to reflect this in music by Pasquali, Pergolesi, Vivaldi and Handel. There will also be a lecture on Saturday morning by Dr Barra Boydell of St Patrick's College, Maynooth, under the title "Far Gone In The Italian Taste". The festival, which runs until Sunday, brings an appearance on Friday evening by the recently-formed Dublin ensemble Parsley, which has taken its name from the obscure English composer Osbert Parsley (1511-1585). There will also be appearances by leading Irish-based exponents of early music, the violin and harpsichord duo of Maya Homburger and Malcolm Proud (playing Bach, Corelli, Biber and Louis Couperin on Saturday evening), the tenor and harp duo of John Elwes and Siobhan Armstrong (in repertoire including Schutz, Carissimi and Francois Couperin on Sunday evening), and flautist Eleanor Dawson in partnership with visiting harpsichordist Laurence Cummings (in Handel, Geminiani and Locatelli at lunchtime on Saturday).

Full details of festival concerts are available from the Model Arts Centre on 071 41405; information on master classes and workshops can be had from Rod Alston on 072 54122.