Feel Good Festival: Piano Peace with Ruth McGinley

Swathed in candlelight...

Concert pianist Ruth McGinley plays Einaudi and Sakamoto in the amazing acoustics of our grade A listed architecture, all swathed in the soft glow of candlelight. Carefully chosen for their creation of calm and bliss, you will recognise familiar pieces such as Sakamoto’s ‘Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence’ and Einaudi’s ‘Le Onde’ (The Waves).

Ruth McGinley

Derry-born Ruth McGinley had already gained widespread recognition as one of Ireland’s leading pianists by the age of 16, winning countless accolades including the piano final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year award. Since then, her career has been wide-ranging and daring, collaborating with some of the most acclaimed musicians working today, and straying from the typical classical-pianist journey.  

Studying at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Royal Academy in London before being awarded a Postgraduate in Solo Performance from the Royal College in London, Ruth has performed as soloist with many orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, London Mozart Players, National Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra, and as a recitalist throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Ruth broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, BBC Radio Ulster and Lyric FM. She was invited to perform as soloist at the BBC Proms in the Park and to perform a solo concert at the Southbank Centre, London in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall… both career highlights. 

But it is perhaps the spaces between where Ruth’s interests really lie. A determination to walk her own path, Ruth’s love of music goes far beyond the classical world. A highly sought-after collaborator, Ruth works with musicians from many backgrounds including jazz, folk, electronic and film music.

Ruth released her debut solo album ‘Reconnection’ to high acclaim in 2016. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career as a solo recording artist.

 ‘Aura’ is her latest solo piano release… a Classical Re-imagining of Traditional Irish Airs. It is a stunning collaboration with Belfast composer and musician, Neil Martin.

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Special Deals with our lovely Festival Partners!

10% off in selected local hospitality when you attend any event at Portaferry's Feel Good Festival 1-10 March.

Just show your ticket to claim:

10% off accommodation at The Schoolhouse, Portaferry

10% off the Pre-Theatre menu on Fridays and Saturdays at The Bull and Claw, Portaferry

10% off your first drink at Dumigan's Bar - just a 5 minute walk from the Portico of Ards where all the events and activities take place.