Rachel Du
Violinist
Guangyue Du (Rachel) moved to Ireland from China in 2000 following her studies at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music. After subsequent studies at the DIT Conservatory of Music Dublin, she graduated with a MA in Classical String Performance from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick and embarked on a successful career as a performer and educator.
Didzis Kalniņš
Pianist
Pianist Didzis Kalniņš enjoys an advancing career as a soloist, chamber musician and teacher. In 2023, he was conferred with a Doctorate in Music Performance by the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the Trinity College Dublin. Originally from Latvia, now residing in Ireland, Didzis has performed in venues such as the National Concert Hall, Christ Church Cathedral Dublin, The National Gallery, The Mansion House and King House in Boyle in Co. Roscommon to name a few. Didzis has also given recitals for audiences internationally including Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Latvia, Estonia, United Kingdom and Brazil.
Dr Didzis Kalniņš was recently honoured with the prestigious 'Latvijas lepnums Īrijā 2023' award in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in the field of music, highlighting his exceptional talent and unparalleled excellence.
Contempo Quartet
String Quartet
The most engaging, energetic and vibrant group of musicians that one could ever wish to hear and meet, The ConTempo quartet breath an exciting and intoxicating life into every note they play.
Winners of 14 International Prizes this highly accomplished group of musicians has toured extensively performing in some of the world’s most prestigious halls and to some of the world’s most engaging leaders. TV documentaries have been made about this group and they have recorded for a plethora of Radio and TV stations across Europe.
So what about the music? Equally expert with music from the Baroque to Modern, this quartet since 2003 as ‘Galway Ensemble - in- Residence has engaged with an extensive rich array of contemporary Irish compositions.
Since 2013, ConTempo are the RTÉ string quartet in residence (RTÉ is the National Broadcasting station of Ireland).
Bogdan Sofei –Violin , Ingrid Nicola - violin, Andreea Banciu – viola, Adrian Mantu – Cello