2006 will be Ardee Baroque’s third year, and it has already established itself as a music festival of the highest quality, with performances in highly evocative and atmospheric venues. Ardee is situated about 60km from Dublin, and is steeped in mythology and legend. It is famous throughout Ireland as the site of the battle between Cu Chulainn and Ferdia, childhood friends turned enemies in the Irish Iron Age saga, The Cattle Raid of Cooley. Ardee’s location and history means that it retains many medieval castles and churches, and it is these relics of past struggles that provide the venues for Ardee Baroque.

The Irish Baroque Orchestra is Ireland’s only period instrument orchestra, and it provides the backbone of the programming for the festival. Since its inception in 1996, the IBO has brought music from the Baroque period to audiences throughout Ireland, and have performed with virtuosi such as Lucy van Dael and Elizabeth Wallfisch in previous Ardee Baroque festivals. Earlier this year, Monica Huggett was appointed as the Orchestra’s Musical Director, and she has worked closely with Artistic Director, Mark Duley, in creating this year’s programme for Ardee Baroque.

Over the weekend of the 24–26 November, the Irish Baroque Orchestra will perform the complete Bach Orchestral Suites, spread over two concerts, and interspersed with Bach single, double and triple concertos (for one harpsichord, two violins, and two oboes and bassoon, respectively). The Irish Baroque Orchestra Chamber Soloists will perform chamber music of the French Baroque, with music by Leclair, Rameau, Marais and Couperin. A programme of Spanish Baroque music will be performed by Ireland’s finest period choir, Resurgam, and this will take place in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland church, which dates back to the fourteenth century.

Solo performances, children’s activities, lectures, and a week long residency by the Orchestra in the town all combine to create a celebration of Baroque music in a welcoming and informal atmosphere.