CON BRIO is a voluntary music association which has been created for the purpose of bringing top class chamber and orchestral music to Sligo audiences. It was founded in 1999 by a group of music lovers and the original founding committee is still largely in place.
CON BRIO runs a series of 7-8 concerts per year, together with master-classes and a lecture series. Con Brio also occasionally commissions new works from Irish composers. Revenue is obtained through:
- Ticket sales
- Sponsorships and memberships
- A grant from Sligo County Council / Sligo Borough Council
Very strict controls are placed on expenditure and the whole operation is conduced on a shoestring except for performers’ fees. Audiences have been developed over the years and the concerts continue to be very well supported.
CON BRIO has from the beginning been supported by and worked closely with the Sligo Arts Office. It has also hosted the launch of the Vogler Spring Festival year after year, it has worked with Music Network, RTE and the National Concert Hall and other promoters. While giving prominence to Irish artists, it has also given Sligo audiences the opportunity to enjoy top class performers from Europe. Artists have come from Italy, France, Germany, Holland, the Czech Republic, Norway, Romania and the UK.
CON BRIO now receives many requests for concerts both from Irish and European artists. We are planning another full season of concerts next year.
