This Sunday afternoon, what could be nicer than to take in a recital by the RTE ConTempo String Quartet in the wonderful setting of St Colman's Church in Farahy (just outside Kildorrery on the Mallow Road).

This is the first visit by this well established and highly acclaimed quartet who will bring us the works of Haydn (‘father of the string quartet’), Bartok (Romanian Dances) and Piazzolla (Tangos).

The ConTempo Quartet began as a string quartet all of 19 years ago and has since acquired the 'RTE' banner. It is now recognised as one of the world’s top string quartets having won a record of 14 International prizes and having performed more that 1,000 concerts all over the world.

The church at Farahy is perhaps best known for its association with the author Elizabeth Bowen (1899-1973) who lived close by at Bowenscourt and whose final resting place is just a few yards from the church entrance. The following is her account of her childhood visits to Farahy Church: “On summer Sunday mornings at Farahy Church we had, in those days of King Edward, quite a parade – The little Olivers from Rockmills, the little Gates from the other side of Kildorrery, myself and the little Johnstons from Lisnagourneen. The sun winked in through the trees and the south windows on to the pewfuls of little girls in white muslin dresses and starched white muslin hats and of little boys in sailor suits. Parents, grandmothers, visitors, governesses, Protestant farmers and, packed at the back, Protestant servants of all households composed the rest of the congregation. The organ was played either by Mrs Oliver or Mrs Gates and we all sang loud, Protestant, hymns.”

Hopefully on Sunday afternoon, the sun will again 'wink in through the trees and the south windows' as the hallowed building is filled with the music of Haydn, Bartok and Piazzolla.

Promoted by North Cork Classical Music (with the kind support of Cork County Council), you are asked to please note the starting time of 3.30pm.

Tickets are €15 and can be had from Jane Annesley on 022-26257, Liam Howard on 087-6780183, from The Avondhu office, Fermoy (025-32227), from usual VAC outlets or from Maureen on 087-6492514.

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