Warm memories of musical performances at Clandeboye, hosted by Lady Dufferin

The death of Lady Dufferin was marked by a fine tribute in your newspaper to her ability in many fields (October 31)

(The tribute can be read here: ‘What Lindy did at Clandeboye was astonishing, and she did it for the people of Ulster’).

Not only was she a gifted visual artist, she was also an enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts. In her earlier years, if a famous musician was performing in town, he/she would be invited to give a recital at Clandeboye House. I was often privileged to be present.

Lindy Guinness, as she was known, hosted, Camerata Ireland, the junior Irish chamber Orchestra, in an annual musical Festival at Clandeboye, directed by the distinguished pianist Barry Douglas. I recall one occasion when Barry gave a sensational performance of Mussorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition, the piece he played in Moscow to win the Tchaikovsky Prize.

The Clandeboye Festival regularly featured International musicians and lasted a week at the end of August. It was held in the courtyard and adjoining impressive Banqueting Hall.

Ireland`s talented young musicians were also invited to perform . Each year an award was made to a promising newcomer. Among the many winners who made their debut at Clandeboye were Michael McHale, the pianist, and Eimear McGeown the flautist.

Sadly the festival had to be cancelled this year because of Covid-19.

One hopes whoever succeeds Lady Dufferin at Clandeboye, will enable the festival to resume, in future happier days.

(Prof) Sidney Lowry, Bangor

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