Salon society

Goethe once described chamber music as “four rational people conversing” and who are we to argue with this most erudite of men…

Goethe once described chamber music as “four rational people conversing” and who are we to argue with this most erudite of men? This characteristically intimate form of classical music was specifically intended to be played by a small group of accomplished amateurs in the confines of a private salon.

Contemporary aficionados of chamber music have had the opportunity to enjoy performances in the very settings for which they were intended ever since the annual KBC Music in Great Irish Houses Festival was established in 1970. This year the festival runs from June 7th-13th and a glittering array of international talent from Austria, China, France, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, the UK and of course, Ireland will perform in Fota House (Cork, pictured), Emo Court (Co Laois), Killruddery House (Co Wicklow), Beaulieu House (Drogheda), Castletown House (Celbridge) and The National Gallery of Ireland. For booking and further details see www.musicgreatirishhouses.com.