Open meeting to progress Longford's Camlin Keys Festival

Camlin Keys Piano Festival shared the news that under the Creative Ireland Community Open Call through Longford County Council they were successful in their application to fund a Piano Festival in County Longford.

This new Longford festival will provide an occasion for pianists of all ages and abilities to play, perform and compete in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Longford has a wealth of pianists, piano teachers and students - producing the finest musicians of all genres of music.

Organiser Joanna Pearman expressed her delight at the progress of the festival: “Since the piano is not always the most mobile of instruments, not everybody gets the opportunity to share their skills and hard work.

“Our event aims to create that opportunity and we plan to host competitions, recitals, masterclasses, introductory sessions for all ages, workshops, recreational activities and a piano party.”The proposed date of the festival is mid-June: “At this stage in the planning we would very much welcome input and ideas from the wider piano community, teachers, and musicians, to ensure our provision meets expectations,” Joanna said.

The organisers are hosting an open meeting for interested parties to express their views this Friday, April 14. The venue for the meeting had yet to be confirmed before the Leader went to print, but a Zoom option to attend will be available.

Joanne hopes the meeting will bring together people to promote the Camlin Keys Piano Festival: “It's not only musicians Camlin Keys want to attract, but an audience too. We would welcome support and input into the development of this project from local enterprises.

“It would be wonderful if we got support with a venue option, hosting an event or sponsorship of prizes and classes. All ideas are welcome, to what we hope will become a feature of the Irish musical calendar.”

For further information or to register for a Zoom link for Friday's meeting contact camlinkeyspianofestival @gmail.com.