Support Act

The Festival’s Support Act offers young musicians from all over Ireland the privilege of benefitting from the knowledge, experience and advice of distinguished Festival artists.

In recent seasons percussionist Colin Currie, pianists Philippe Cassard and Angela Hewitt, the Belcea Quartet and cellist Hannah Roberts have worked closely with chamber ensembles and individual musicians, sharing the wealth of their knowledge both on- and off-stage. In addition, they have mentored and tutored some of our finest emerging talents in preparation for a public appearance during the Festival proper.

The distinguished Chinese guitarist, Xuefei Yang, will lead this year’s Support Act. In addition to working closely individually with some of the country’s most exciting guitar talents, Fei’s Support Act commitments this year will see her work in chamber music with an ensemble of guitarists ahead a performance of Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint at 6.30pm in the National Concert Hall on June 17th.

Widely recognised as one of the world’s greatest advocates of her instrument, Xuefei Yang’s own path to international success is an inspirational one. Born following the Cultural Revolution, she was the first guitarist in China to enter a music school and the first to launch an international performing career. She made her first public appearance at the age of 10 and the composer Rodrigo attended her début concert in Madrid when she was 14. In 1995, when John Williams visited Beijing, he was so impressed with her playing that he gave two of his own Smallman guitars to her Conservatory especially for Fei and other top students to play. She was the first Chinese student to receive a full International Scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London and in 2005 was granted the title of Associate by her alma mater in recognition of her outstanding achievements. She now enjoys an exceptionally busy career as a soloist, chamber musician and concerto soloist.

The Festival’s Support Act is funded by The Arts Council.