Midwinter Festival 2026 in Galway – The Quartet Extends
The Midwinter Festival 2026 in Galway, Ireland, is a premier classical chamber music festival running from Friday, 23 January, to Sunday, 25 January 2026, at the Town Hall Theatre, 1 Courthouse Square. This year’s theme, “The Quartet Extends,” expands the traditional string quartet format with additional instruments and guest artists.
Audiences will enjoy a rich mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary compositions, performed by leading ensembles and soloists. The festival offers an intimate setting where music lovers can experience nuanced performances up close, making it a standout cultural event in Galway’s winter calendar.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
| Festival | Midwinter Festival 2026 – The Quartet Extends |
| Dates | 23–25 January 2026 |
| Venue | Town Hall Theatre, Galway |
| Main Ensembles | ConTempo Quartet, Gealán Quartet |
| Guest Artists | Soprano, clarinet, piano, uilleann pipes, cello |
| Ticket Range | €12.50 – €75 |
| Booking | Online or at the Town Hall Theatre box office |
Who Performs
The festival features top ensembles and soloists from Ireland and abroad:
- ConTempo Quartet – a leading string quartet known for precision and energy.
- Gealán Quartet – versatile performers of classical and modern repertoire.
- Aisling Kenny, soprano – recognised for expressive and powerful performances.
- Macdara Ó Seireadáin, clarinet – skilled in both traditional and contemporary works.
- Aileen Cahill, piano – performs alongside quartets and soloists in chamber pieces.
- Pádraic Keane, uilleann pipes – introduces traditional Irish sounds into classical music.
- Margarita Guerrero Martínez, cello – Cellissimo Ambassador, adding depth and virtuosity.
Festival Schedule & Highlights
The Midwinter Festival 2026 runs four concerts over three days:
Friday, 23 January | 19:30
- Haydn String Quartet in B-flat, Op. 1, No. 1, “La Chasse”
- Amy Beach Piano Quintet with Aileen Cahill
- Brahms String Sextet No. 2
Saturday, 24 January | 16:00
- Schoenberg String Quartet No. 2 Op. 10 (with soprano)
- Mozart String Quintet in G minor K. 516
Sunday, 25 January | 15:00
- Amanda Feery, “something like light but not”
- Weber Clarinet Quintet Op. 34
- Mendelssohn String Octet Op. 7 (festival finale)
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets are available through the Town Hall Theatre website or by calling 091 569777.
- Individual concerts – €25 standard / €22.50 concession
- Saturday double concert – €30
- Festival pass (all four concerts) – €75 standard / €67.50 concession
Solidarity tickets are available for students, asylum seekers, and those on job seeker or disability allowances.
Location & Visiting Tips
The Town Hall Theatre is in central Galway, within walking distance of major hotels and transport hubs. Visitors can combine festival attendance with:
- Dining at local pubs and restaurants
- Shopping and exploring Galway city centre
- Walking along Eyre Square and the Quayside
January is quieter than summer, providing a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy both music and Galway’s cultural life.
Why Attend
You should attend if you want:
- Classical and chamber music in an intimate setting
- A programme combining Baroque, Romantic, and contemporary works
- Unique collaborations between ensembles and guest soloists
- Rare instruments like uilleann pipes in classical compositions
The festival guarantees a weekend of exceptional music, performed by both Irish and international talent.
Final Words
Galway offers a vibrant cultural experience in January, with world-class chamber music performances that appeal to classical music lovers. Audiences can enjoy a mix of Baroque, Romantic, and contemporary works, performed by top ensembles and guest soloists, including rare instruments like the uilleann pipes.
Beyond the concerts, Galway’s city centre provides dining, shopping, and scenic walks, creating a full cultural itinerary. Attending this event guarantees an unforgettable weekend of music and exploration. Among the many events and festivals in Ireland 2026, this festival stands out as a unique opportunity to experience both exceptional performances and Irish culture.
