Combining breathtaking musicianship with atmospheric lighting and thoughtfully curated programmes, Luminosa Orchestra has built a reputation for making classical music feel exciting, accessible and deeply moving. This September, they're inviting audiences to experience their latest programme, Draíocht - The Alchemy of Music, across two very special performances. Discover all about it here...
For Draíocht, meaning ‘magic’ or ‘alchemy’ in Irish, Luminosa Orchestra will perform with guest conductor Christopher George at St Nicholas' Collegiate Church on September 24th before bringing the same captivating programme to the Clifden Arts Festival the following day. Two performances, one unforgettable musical journey, and the perfect opportunity to experience the enchanting music of Galway's only professional orchestra.
above: Lucy Hayward O'Leary
For co-founder and Executive Director, Lucy Hayward O’Leary, the word Draíocht couldn't be more fitting. Every Luminosa project is built around an Irish theme, creating a fresh way for audiences to connect with classical music. This season's focus is on the magic that happens when talented people come together to create something bigger than themselves. “It's about bringing new people together and seeing them work magic together,” Lucy says.
Unlike many orchestras, Luminosa doesn't have a resident conductor. Instead, each project welcomes new conductors and guest artists, meaning every concert brings fresh energy, different interpretations and exciting collaborations. It's a model that has attracted exceptional musicians from across Ireland and Europe, including players from internationally acclaimed orchestras, all coming together in Galway for something truly special.
Every Luminosa performance is designed to be an immersive experience. Thoughtful lighting transforms interiors into atmospheric performance spaces, while carefully curated programmes invite audiences to connect with the emotion behind the music rather than feel intimidated by it.
“You don't have to know anything about classical music,” she explains. “It's all emotional. These are real people who wrote amazing music because of the lives they lived. That’s all you need to know.”
The orchestra itself had an inspiring beginning. After spending years raising her children, Lucy returned to university to study Arts Policy and Practice before deciding Galway deserved a professional orchestra of its own. That ambitious idea has since grown into one of the city's most exciting cultural organisations, steadily building audiences and earning a reputation for its artistic excellence.
Their work has recently been recognised with the appointment of Catherine Connolly, the President of Ireland, as Luminosa Orchestra's official patron. It is a significant acknowledgement of the orchestra's commitment to cultural enrichment and community engagement through music.
Luminosa Orchestra's upcoming performances invites you to witness the magic of live music making with performances of Bach, Mozart, Shostakovich and more. Tickets are available now at luminosa.ie.
Luminosa Orchestra is proudly supported by its title sponsor Seaspray Private, and principal funders The Arts Council and Galway City Council, whose continued support helps bring these performances to audiences across the west.
Photos by Seán Lydon and Althaf Shaik, courtesy of Luminosa Orchestra.
