FANFARE
WINTER 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ARTICLES
INTERVIEWS
UPDATES EVENTS
DAY TRIPS
TICKET DISCOUNTS
SPECIAL OFFERS
Alice Sara Ott
©Hannes Caspar
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DUBLIN
A WORD FROM OUR CEO
As we look ahead to an exciting year of music in 2025, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to our friends, patrons, partners, musicians, and audiences for your unwavering support of the National Concert Hall. Your presence has been invaluable, and we are privileged to continue offering inspiring and culturally enriching performances.
2024 was a momentous year at the NCH as we marked significant milestones in the once-ina-generation redevelopment of our site. This transformation will create a world-class, vibrant cultural campus, doubling our visitor capacity, restoring an iconic building, and establishing cutting-edge spaces for performance, education, and inclusivity. The redevelopment will position the NCH as a national centre for music, on par with the greatest music destinations worldwide.
Central to this redevelopment will be the NCH Discover Centre, a vibrant hub for learning and participation, featuring upgraded concert, workshop, and rehearsal spaces. This expanded facility will support our growing education and outreach programmes and offer performance opportunities that inspire and uplift our entire community. Just before Christmas, we received notification from Minister Catherine Martin that the submission to invite tenders for redevelopment of the NCH Discover Centre had been approved and that we can now proceed with our project.
Early 2025 brings a dynamic programme of performances, including NSO concerts with renowned guest conductors and soloists. Highlights include acclaimed pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii performing Chopin and Liszt, and pianist, Alice Sara Ott playing Beethoven Sonatas.
In February, the Prague Symphony Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Alexander Sitkovetsky and the NSO will present several premieres including Stephen McNeff’s The Celestial Stranger, and Deirdre McKay’s new work, alongside Arvo Pärt’s Berliner Messe and Mozart’s Requiem.
Also in February, Tara Erraught will launch Celebrating the Voice, a new programme for Irish singers, with performances alongside the NSO. St. Patrick’s Week will feature the NSO with Martin Hayes, and young Irish pianist Jamie Duffy will make his main stage debut on St. Patrick’s Night.
March brings a special International Women’s Day concert, celebrating Irish female voices such as Moya Brennan, Una Healy, Tolu Makay, Aimée, Soulé, and many more, with the NSO.
We will also be launching a new city-wide festival, Festival of the Voice, celebrating singing and choral music in all its forms. In the autumn we look forward to the return of our buildingwide celebration of electronic arts, Haunted Dancehall.
Whatever your taste in music, we hope you find something to excite and enthral and we look forward to welcoming you back to the NCH in the New Year.
Robert Read CEO, NCH
NCH BOARD MEMBERS
Maura McGrath (Chairperson)
James Cavanagh | Cliona Doris | Rebecca Gageby | Hilary Hough | Peter McKenna
Niamh Murray | Michelle O’Sullivan | Don Thornhill
PATRON
Michael D. Higgins President of Ireland
PRAGUE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Prague Symphony Orchestra join us in the National Concert Hall on Sunday, 16th February to celebrate their Bohemian heritage with two sides of Dvorˇák. The Ninth Symphony is a nostalgic, homesick anthem, a tuneful meeting of two cultures as American spirituals blend with Czech folk songs. The Noonday Witch is a tragic tale of an errant son, a scolding mother, and a demanding demon. Conducted by Tomas Brauner, the orchestra will also feature Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Alexander Sitkovetsky as soloist.
©Petr Dyrc
The Prague Symphony Orchestra (Symfonický Orchestr Prahy FOK) is one of the Czech Republic's leading orchestras and an important fixture in the European classical music scene. It is known for its rich tradition, exceptional performances, and diverse repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary works.
Founded in 1934 by conductor and composer Rudolf Pekárek, the orchestra adopted the initials "FOK," which stand for Film–Opera–Koncert, representing its original mission to perform music for film, opera, and concert performances. This connection with film music set the orchestra apart in its early years and helped it gain recognition. The orchestra is based at the Municipal House (Obecní du˚m) in Prague, a historic and architecturally significant building that serves as its primary concert venue. The Municipal House's Smetana Hall is one of the most important concert halls in Prague, known for its impressive Art Nouveau design and superb acoustics.
The Prague Symphony Orchestra is noted for its performances of Czech composers like Antonín Dvorˇák, Bedrˇich Smetana, and Leoš Janácˇek, as well as its interpretations of the broader classical and Romantic repertoire and indeed, with a double helping of Dvorˇák in February, the concert will be consistent with that tradition. It is not limited to Bohemian composers however, and also regularly performs works by contemporary composers, maintaining a commitment to promoting modern music. The orchestra has achieved significant international acclaim, performing in renowned concert halls worldwide and participating in prestigious music festivals. It has toured extensively across Europe, Asia,
and the Americas, making it one of the most well-travelled orchestras from the Czech Republic.
With an extensive discography, including recordings spanning works by classical masters to modern compositions, it’s recordings have contributed to its global reputation, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the orchestra’s artistry. Over the years, the orchestra has worked with numerous esteemed conductors, soloists, and composers. It has been conducted by legendary figures such as Václav Smetácˇek, Jirˇí Beˇlohlávek, and Serge Baudo. As of recent years, the Chief Conductor is Tomáš Brauner (starting in the 2020–2021 season) and Maestro Brauner will be wielding the baton in February when they perform in the Hall.
Beyond its main concert series, the orchestra is involved in educational activities, workshops, and outreach programs designed to introduce classical music to a broader audience, making it an integral part of Prague's cultural life.
The Prague Symphony Orchestra continues to uphold the Czech Republic’s rich musical heritage while embracing contemporary works, making it a vibrant and essential part of the global classical music community. Its performances are highly regarded for their precision, emotional depth, and authentic interpretations, particularly of Czech repertoire.
The Prague Symphony Orchestra will perform in NCH on 16th February, see www.nch.ie for more details.
MUSIC IN MIND: TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC
In a world that often feels fast paced and overwhelming, music has long been a source of solace and expression. Recognising this, in 2015 the National Concert Hall (NCH) developed and launched Music in Mind, an innovative programme designed to improve the well-being of individuals living with mental health difficulties. This initiative highlights the transformative power of music, not just as an art form, but as a medium for connection, creativity, and hope.
The Vision Behind Music in Mind Music in Mind began with the understanding that music transcends barriers. It connects people emotionally and socially, creating an avenue for creative and self-expression. For those living with mental health difficulties – be it anxiety, depression, or other complex conditions – music can be a lifeline, offering both respite and a means to process emotion.
The National Concert Hall, Ireland’s National Cultural Institution for Music, saw the potential to extend its reach beyond the traditional concert audience. Partnering initially with Mental Health Ireland, the NCH developed Music in Mind as a structured series of workshop courses aimed at fostering emotional and mental well-being through active musical engagement.
What the Programme Offers
Music in Mind provides a series of workshops tailored to individuals living in the community with mental health difficulties. These workshops, led by experienced professional musicians who are specially trained in this area by the NCH, focus on active
participation rather than performance. Participants are encouraged to sing, play percussion instruments, and create music in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Each session is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and flexible. The emphasis is on collective music-making, which not only builds confidence but also strengthens a sense of community. The workshops aim is to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.
Measuring Impact: The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale
To ensure the programme’s effectiveness, Music in Mind incorporates the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) to measure its impact. Participants complete surveys before and after their involvement in the workshops, allowing the programme to track improvements in mental wellbeing over time.
The WEMWBS is a scientifically validated tool used globally to measure positive mental health. Data from Music in Mind participants has consistently demonstrated significant improvements in wellbeing, highlighting the programme’s ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
The Science of Music and Mental Health Research has consistently shown that music has a profound impact on mental health. Engaging with music can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress, and stimulate dopamine production, which enhances mood and motivation. It also activates areas of the brain associated with memory, emotion, and motor coordination.
For individuals with mental health difficulties, these benefits can be particularly pronounced. Music-making fosters mindfulness, offering participants a chance to focus on the present moment. It also provides a creative outlet, helping individuals articulate feelings that may otherwise remain bottled up.
Group music activities, such as those offered by Music in Mind, go a step further by combating isolation—a common experience for people with mental health challenges. The communal aspect of the workshops fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which can be profoundly healing.
Personal Stories of Transformation
Participants of Music in Mind often describe the programme as life changing. One participant in mental health recovery shared how the workshops gave them a renewed sense of enjoyment, anticipation, and reduced stress:
“I FOCUSED ON LISTENING TO EACH OTHER AS WE PLAYED TODAY AND HAD A WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE. I LIKED WHEN WE DID DIFFERENT DYNAMICS ON THE DRUM, GETTING LOUDER AND SOFTER; IT WAS SO MUCH FUN TODAY AND I CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK. I FELT LESS TENSE AT THE END OF THE SESSION.”
Another attendee, who had felt disconnected from their community, spoke about the impact on their social connections:
“I FEEL PEACEFUL WHEN SINGING –IT GIVES ME SENSE OF COMMUNITY, GETTING PEOPLE TOGETHER.”
For many, Music in Mind is not just an activity but a turning point—a reminder of their own creativity and worth.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Since its inception, Music in Mind has reached hundreds of participants across Ireland. The programme collaborates with mental health organisations, local communities, and support groups to ensure accessibility.
Music in Mind currently operates in 10 counties across Ireland, but The National Concert Hall has plans to expand the initiative further, reaching more rural areas where mental health services can be limited. The programme also aims to enhance its data collection and programme evaluation through the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, strengthening the case for arts-based interventions in mental health care.
Advocacy for Arts and Mental Health Music in Mind underscores the importance of integrating the arts into mental health support systems. It serves as a model for how cultural institutions can play an active role in addressing societal challenges.
Advocates argue that programmes like Music in Mind should receive greater funding and recognition, particularly as mental health concerns continue to rise. The initiative’s success highlights the need for holistic approaches to mental health care – approaches that go beyond traditional therapies to include creative and social interventions.
A Call to Action: Join Us in Supporting Music in Mind
The power of Music in Mind lies in its simplicity and humanity. At its core, it reminds us of the universal nature of music – its ability to connect and inspire. For participants, the workshops are more than a weekly activity; they are a sanctuary, a space where struggles are momentarily lifted and replaced by harmony, rhythm, and shared creativity.
However, to continue reaching those who need it most, Music in Mind needs support. The programme is funded through the generosity of donors and sponsors, but with rising demand and the NCH plans for the programme, additional resources are essential to sustain and expand this vital work.
If you or your organisation are passionate about improving mental health and believe in the power of music, we invite you to partner with us. Your contribution, whether through funding, sponsorship, or advocacy, can help bring hope and joy to even more individuals across Ireland.
Together, we can ensure that Music in Mind continues to grow, creating a brighter future for those living with mental health difficulties. For partnership enquiries or to donate, please contact a member of the Partnerships & Philanthropy team at the National Concert Hall or visit our website.
Nigel Flegg is Head of Learning and Participation at NCH
FRIENDS EVENTS
Coffee Mornings
First Wednesday of each month (except January), Friends are cordially invited to the Iveagh Room of the Terrace Café to meet with fellow Friends. This is an opportunity to chat, find out about upcoming Friends activities and ask any questions you might have about your Friends membership.
Coming up:
Wednesday 5 February, 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 5 March, 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 2 April, 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 7 May 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 4 June, 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 1 July, 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 5 August, 11am – 12pm
No booking required. Purchase the beverage of your choice.
Music
Club
Six Tuesdays, beginning 14 January, 11am - 12.30pm, Iveagh Room, Terrace Café.
Music Club, a perennial favourite series, led by Professor Gerard Gillen, discusses repertoire featured in upcoming NCH concerts. Different pieces are explored every week and each session takes place over tea and coffee, which is provided, in the Iveagh Room of the Terrace Café.
Music Club takes place on:
Tuesday 14 January
Tuesday 21 January
Tuesday 28 January
Tuesday 4 February
Tuesday 11 February
Tuesday 18 February
11am-12.30pm
Friends 120 euro for six sessions. Booking is available. For more information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or book in person at the Box Office.
Iveagh Room
Music Club
Pre-Concert Patrons and Season Friends food and wine Reception
Sunday 16 February, 6.30pm in the Carolan Room
Patrons and Season Friends are invited to a pre-concert wine and canape reception ahead of the Prague Symphony Orchestra concert in the Carolan room of the National Concert Hall.
Reception is complimentary to Patrons and Season Friends. Meet in Carolan room at 6.30pm
Booking is available. For more information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777.
Tour of Iveagh Gardens
Thursday, 20 February, 1.45pm
Described as the ‘lungs of the city’ and ‘Dublin’s best kept secret’, the Iveagh Gardens behind the National Concert Hall is full of stories and guide Donal Raynor knows them all. Join us for a fascinating tour of the gardens and explore its history, flora, character and place in Dublin while having a pleasant stroll in its beautiful surrounds. After the tour, join us for tea, coffee and a social chat among fellow Friends in the Iveagh Room.
Meet in the NCH Foyer at 1.45pm
Friends 15 euro, Non-members 25 euro
Booking is available. For more. Information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or book in person at the Box Office.
Prague Symphony Orchestra
Iveagh Gardens
Brooks Film screening – 42nd Street
Thursday 6 March, 6pm
42nd street is a musical with a gee whizz tenor, stuck up stars, hard up producers, brassy blondes and shady ladies in this put on a show plot featuring classics like shuffle Off to Buffalo and You ‘re Getting to be a Habit with Me. Starring Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers 42nd Street shows good times never go out of style. Before the screening enjoy canapes and a glass of wine or soft drink before you pick up your popcorn for a night at the movies!
Meet in Brooks Hotel, Drury Street, Dublin 2 at 6pm
Friends 65 euro, Non-members 80 euro
Booking is available. For more. Information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or book in person at the Box Office.
Pre-Palermo trip briefing and lunch
Wednesday 26 March, 12.30
Friends traveling to Palermo in April are invited to a briefing on the trip followed by a light lunch. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the tour and meet fellow Friends who are traveling.
Meet in the Iveagh Room of NCH at 12.30pm
Complimentary to Friends traveling to Palermo Booking is available. For more information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777
Brooks Palermo
Opera: Turandot Live broadcast at Dundrum Town Centre with Dinner at Siam
Tuesday 1 April, 5pm
Join us for a live showing of Puccinni’s classic ‘Turandot’, broadcast from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Set in China Prince Calaf seeks to woo Princess Turandot but must solve three riddles, with failure resulting in death! Prior to the performance, enjoy a three-course dinner with a glass of wine or soft drink at Siam restaurant in Dundrum Town Centre.
Meet in Siam restaurant, Dundrum Town Centre, at 5pm
Friends 85 euro, Non-members 100 euro
Booking is available. For more. Information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or book in person at the Box Office.
Friends Concert
Tuesday, 8 April, 6pm
Friends of the National Concert Hall and Wexford Opera are invited to a special concert in April which previews the Festival later in the year. Enjoy performances of arias and recitals and get a taste of what is to come in October. Following the concert, enjoy a sociable wine reception where you can meet fellow Friends.
Meet at the National Concert Hall, at 6pm
Complimentary to Friends, Non-members 25 euro
Booking is available. For more. Information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or book in person at the Box Office.
Wexford
Turandot
Wexford Opera House
Friends International Trip to Palermo
Saturday 10 – Monday 14 April
The Friends Spring trip this year is to beautiful Palermo in Sicily. We will be touring Cefalu and Monreale, visiting the splendid La Mortorana Church and uncovering Palermo’s, architectural and artistic delights including its famous mosaics. Musically, we have a delightful orchestral evening of Ravel and Respighi at the Politeama Garibaldi and Donazetti’s (native of Palermo) great opera ‘Elisir D’Amore’ in Teatro Massimo.
To book contact Caroline or Debbie in International Cultural Travel on 01 8887840
West Wicklow Festival
Thursday, 8 May, 4pm
Join us as we attend the opening evening of the 2025 West Wicklow Chamber Festival. We will be attending the 8pm performance by Fiachra Garvey on piano and Ruth Gibney on viola who will present an exquisite programme of Kodaly, Franck, Boyle, Clarke and Brahms, all in the wonderful surrounds of Russborough House. Prior to the concert we will have an early four course dinner with a glass of wine or soft drink at Tulfarris House.
Meet in NCH Foyer at 3.30pm, (returning approximately 10.30pm)
Friends 130 euro, Non-members 150 euro
Booking is available. For more. Information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or book in person at the Box Office.
Palermo Fiachra Garvey
NSO Orchestra Open Rehearsal
Thursday, 29 May, 9.30am
See the National Symphony Orchestra prepare for their final concert of the season at this private Friends open rehearsal. Rehearsing Mahler’s 9th symphony, this is a great opportunity to see the orchestra at work.
Meet in the foyer of the National Concert Hall, at 9.30am
Complimentary to Friends
Booking is available. For more. Information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or book in person at the Box Office.
Wine
Tasting Master Class and Supper at Ely
Thursday 12 June, 6.30pm
A sumptuous evening of exploring good wine, food and company awaits at Ely wine bar as we explore and sample an array of varietals under the guidance of the Ely sommelier. The master class is accompanied by supper and promises to be a sociable and enjoyable evening among Friends.
Meet in Ely Wine Bar, 22 Ely Place, Dublin 2 at 6.30pm
Friends 95 euro, Non-members 110 euro
Booking is available. For more. Information or to book your place, contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or book in person at the Box Office.
Ely Wine Bar
Anja Bihlmaier
CAPUCELLI
Renowned French cellist Gautier Capuçon will perform in NCH with his ensemble Capucelli on Wednesday 26th March in a concert that captures cello music from the world’s finest composers including Bartok, Dvorˇák, Grieg, Ravel and Tchaikovsky. They also will be performing more modern compositions from composers and artists including Richard Dubugnon and Bryce Dessner among many others.
Gautier Capuçon is known for his exceptional technique, expressive playing, and rich tone. He is considered one of the leading cellists of his generation and has earned international acclaim for his performances of both classical and contemporary repertoire.
Born on September 3, 1981, in Chambéry, France, Gautier began playing the cello at an early age. He studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he was taught by distinguished cellists such as Philippe Muller and Annie Cochet-Zakine. He later refined his craft under the guidance of Heinrich Schiff in Vienna. Capuçon has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic, among others. He is also a frequent soloist at major festivals like the Verbier Festival and the BBC Proms.
In terms of recordings, he has an extensive discography with the Warner Classics label, featuring recordings of works by Dvorˇák, Saint-Saëns, Schumann, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and more. His album "Intuition," released in 2018, was particularly wellreceived and showcased his range and
versatility as a cellist. He has collaborated with many esteemed conductors, such as Gustavo Dudamel, Valery Gergiev, and Yannick NézetSéguin. He also frequently performs chamber music with artists like pianist Martha Argerich, violinist Renaud Capuçon (his brother), and pianist Yuja Wang.
As mentioned, Capuçon has been playing cello since the age of five, he is also an accomplished pianist which he began learning at age seven. He started his career as a student in 1997 in the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, and when not performing classical music is a keen Jazz enthusiast.
Gautier Capuçon’s own instrument is a 1701 Matteo Goffriller cello, which is prized for its deep, warm sound, and he is known for coaxing an incredibly expressive and nuanced tone from the instrument. He. embarked on a unique "Un été en France" (A Summer in France) tour, where he travelled across France, giving free outdoor concerts in towns and villages, bringing classical music to diverse audiences in more intimate settings.
He has created his own cello academy the Classe d’Excellence de Violincelle. At the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris where he teaches promising young cellists. Six young alumni of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, and former NCH Young Musician Killian White, join Capuçon for their NCH concert when they will be presenting new arrangements of familiar music, alongside work commissioned by the ensemble, including NCH Artist-in-Residence Bryce Dessner’s The Forest
Capucelli perform on Wednesday 26th March at NCH, see www.nch.ie for more details.
THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) is the oldest and one of the most prestigious orchestras in the United Kingdom and will be performing in the National Concert Hall on Thursday, 15th May. The concert will feature Elgar’s Cello Concerto with Guy Johnston as soloist, Robert Sierra’s Fandangos and Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances, all under the baton of Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan.
Based in Liverpool, the orchestra was founded in 1840, making it one of the oldest concert giving organisations in the world. The RLPO is renowned for its high-quality performances and has played a crucial role in Liverpool's cultural scene for over 180 years.
The Orchestra is central to Liverpool’s cultural offering, being the largest music organisation and one of the largest artistic organisations in the city. It gives over sixty concerts each season in its home, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, itself with its own history, as well as concerts in venues across the region.
Liverpool Philharmonic premieres and commissions more music than any other UK orchestra, with over 150 works premiered and commissioned in the last 10 years. In recent seasons, the Orchestra has given world
premiere performances of major works by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Sir John Tavener, Karl Jenkins, Stewart Copeland, Michael Nyman, Michael Torke, Nico Muhly, James Horner and Sir James MacMillan alongside works by Liverpool-born and North West-based composers.
Liverpool Philharmonic has long been an ambassador for Liverpool through an extensive touring schedule throughout the UK and internationally, including a recent tour to Japan in 2024, and through broadcasts and recordings. Over 600,000 people in 92 countries listen to Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra recordings each month on Spotify, more than any UK orchestra outside London. Collaborations with international artists from rock and pop include Liverpool’s own Sir Paul McCartney, Elvis
©Gareth Jones
Costello, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Ian Broudie and the Lightning Seeds, Echo and The Bunnymen, and Cast.
Recordings are an important part of the Orchestra’s work and recent releases include Verismo, an album of orchestral intermezzi from Italian operas, an album of works by Puerto-Rican composer Roberto Sierra, and a disc of French works by Roussel, Debussy and Dukas – all conducted by Domingo Hindoyan (Onyx Classics). Additional releases include Vaughan Williams Job: A Masque For Dancing conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze (Onyx Classics) and the complete Beethoven Piano Concerto cycle with Vasily Petrenko conducting the Orchestra as well as pianist Boris Giltburg (Naxos).
The RLPO’s concert in May promises to be a special one indeed, with some quirky aspects to it, for example, the Symphonic Dances is the only piece completed in America and perhaps as a result, is noted for its use of the alto saxophone as its solo instrument.
Elgar’s Cello Concerto was composed in 1919, now considered one of his masterpieces, it was all but ignored until Jacqueline Du Pré recorded it in 1965. One other fun fact, Elgar was a keen amateur chemist and is credited with inventing the Elgar Sulphuretted Hydrogen Apparatus, a device to synthesise hydrogen sulphide (no we didn’t know that one either).
Dance dominates Roberto Sierra’s Fandangos in a set of vibrant orchestral variations with distinctive Spanish trumpets and castanets to the fore. Sierra was born in Puerto Rico and studied in Europe with Gyorgy Ligeti.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra perform in NCH on 15th May, see www.nch.ie for more details.
Domingo Hindoyan
©John Millar
Tom O’Brien
Managing Partner
Move
NOBUYUKI TSUJII
©Giorgia Bertazzi
Nobuyuki Tsujii is a highly acclaimed Japanese pianist and composer known for his extraordinary talent, despite being blind from birth. He has gained international recognition for his emotive performances, technical brilliance, and profound interpretations of classical repertoire.
He will be performing Lizst (En Reve and Mephisto Waltz No.1), Beethoven (Piano Sonata No. 21 Waldstein) and Chopin Nocturne No.7. Nocturne No. 8 and Piano Sonata No. 3) in the National Concert Hall on Saturday 1st February. Beethoven’s virtuosic Waldstein Sonata is fierce and fiery, Liszt’s First Mephisto Waltz a helter-skelter dance with the devil. Two lyrical Nocturnes by Chopin complement the tortured grandeur of his Third Piano Sonata, like a coiled spring that bursts into vibrant life.
Born on September 13, 1988, in Tokyo, Japan, Nobuyuki Tsujii lost his sight due to microphthalmia, a condition where the eyes are underdeveloped. He started playing the piano at the age of two and began formal lessons at age four. By seven, he had already won his first competition. Despite his blindness, Tsujii developed an exceptional ability to learn and memorise music. He often learns pieces by ear, listening to recordings and using Braille scores. His ability to master complex compositions without sight is considered extraordinary in the classical music world.
Tsujii gave his first piano recital in a small venue called Suntory Hall in Tokyo at age twelve in 2000, but his international breakthrough came in 2009 when he won
the Gold Medal at the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in the United States, sharing the top prize with Haochen Zhang. This achievement made him the first blind pianist to win this competition, and it launched his career on the global stage.
In addition to being a virtuoso pianist, Tsujii is also a talented composer. He has written several pieces, including "Whisper of the River," "Elegy for the Victims of the Tsunami of March 11, 2011," and other original works that have been well-received. He has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the BBC Philharmonic, Mariinsky Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic, and the Philharmonia Orchestra, and has collaborated with conductors like Valery Gergiev and Vladimir Ashkenazy.
Nobuyuki Tsujii has released numerous recordings, covering a wide range of repertoire. His album "Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 / Paganini Rhapsody," recorded with the Deutsches SymphonieOrchester Berlin, was especially praised. He was also featured in the documentary "Touching the Sound," which tells the inspiring story of his life and career. He has received several prestigious awards, including Japan’s Cultural Affairs Minister’s Art Encouragement Prize and the Beverley Taylor Smith Award for his extraordinary achievements in piano performance.
Nobukuki Tsujii will perform in NCH on 1st February, see www.nch.ie for more details.
CONCERT TICKET DISCOUNTS
Friends and Season Friends are entitled to purchase up to 2 tickets at the discounted rate.
Seasons of Sinatra – Prelude to Spring
Friday 24 January 1.05pm (JFR)
Friends €20.70
NSO: Mozart, Haydn, Dvorak
Friday 24 January 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discounts for Friends
Remembering Burt Bacharach
Sunday 26 January 8pm (MS)
10% Discounts for Friends
Final of Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition
Tuesday 28 January 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
Celebrating Schubert: A Birthday Recital
Friday 31 January 1.05pm (JFR)
Friends €12
NSO: Debussy, McNeff, Rachmaninov
Friday 31 January 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
International Orchestra & Recitals
Nobuyuki Tsujii
Saturday 1 February 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
NSO: McKay, Part, Mozart
Friday 7 February 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
IAYO 29th Festival of Youth Orchestras
Saturday 8 February 1pm & 7.30pm (MS)
Friends €20
Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra With the National Symphony Orchestra
Sunday 9 February 12.30 pm, 3pm & 5pm (MS)
Friends €27
Panorama Chamber Music Series
Sunday 9 February 3pm (KBRR)
Friends €15.75
Grisha Martirosyan
Nobuyuki Tsujii
Fiachra Garvey
(MS) Main Stage (KBRR) Kevin Barry Recital Room (JFR) John Field Room (S) Studio
National Concert Hall presents
Christy Moore
Sunday 27 April, Saturday 3 May and Saturday 17 May 2025, 8pm
Tickets from €40
Discounts for Friends and Groups of 10 or more nch.ie
Celebrating the Voice: A Valentine’s Day Song Recital
Friday 14 February 1.05pm (JFR)
Friends €13.50
Celebrating the Voice: A Valentine’s Day Opera Gala
Friday 14 February 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discounts for Friends
Panorama Chamber Music Series
Sunday 16 February 3pm (KBRR)
Friends €15.75
International Orchestras & Recitals:
Prague Symphony Orchestra
Sunday 16 February 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
The Magic of the Musicals
Friday 21 February 1.05pm (JFR)
Friends €18
NSO: Ni Riain, Mahler
Friday 21 February 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
Panorama Chamber Music Series
Sunday 23 February 3pm (KBRR)
Friends €15.75
International Orchestras & Recitals:
Alice Sara Ott
Thursday 27 February 8pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
NSO: Brahms, Schumann
Friday 28 February 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
Panorama Series: Eblana String Trio (KBRR)
Friends €15.75
Alice Sara Ott
Prague Symphony Orchestra
Ailís Ní Ríain
Anu Tali
A Lunchtime at the Opera
Friday 7 March 1.05pm (JFR)
Friends €20
NSO: Ravel
Friday 7 March 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discounts for Friends
Panorama Series: Sinead Farrell, Silvija Scerbaviciute (Flutes) Paul Grennan (Cello)
Sunday 9 March 3pm (KBRR)
Friends €15.75
Perspectives: Gabriel Kahane & Caroline Shaw - Hexagons
Tuesday 11 March 8.30pm (S)
Friends €22.50
Martin Hayes with the NSO
Friday 14 March 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
Family Concert: The Wild Turkeys
Saturday 15 March 11am & 12.30pm (JFR)
Friends €10.80
Panorama Series: Claudia Boyle (Soprano) Gyula Nagy (Baritone) Fiachra Garvey (Piano)
Sunday 16 March 1pm (KBRR) Friends €15.75
Kilfenora Céilí Band: Sparks will Fly
Sunday 16 March 8pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
Jamie Duffy
Monday 17 March 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
NSO: Richard Strauss, Schumann, Beethoven
Friday 27 March 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
The Soul of Motown
Thursday 27 March 8pm (MS) Friends €37.52, €30.87 €19 (Choir Balcony)
Speranza Scappucci
Martin Hayes
Claudia Boyle
Kilfenora Céilí Band
NSO: Brahms, Berlioz
Friday 28 March 7.30 (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
Schubertreise XXXII
Sunday 30 March 3pm (KBRR)
Friends €15.75
Bryce Dessner – Artist in Residence
Friday 11 April 7.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
NSO: Music for Good Friday
James Mac Millan’s St John Passion
Friday 18 April 3.30pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
Thursday 24 April 8pm (MS)
10% Discount for Friends
Perspectives: Oded Tzur Quartet –My Prophet
Thursday 1 May 8.30pm (S)
Friends €19.80
Sheku Kanneh-Mason (Cello) Isata Kanneh-Masson (Piano)
Jonathan Biss
Bryce Dessner
Sheku Kanneh Mason
Oded Tzur
Our ambition is to create spaces where people thrive; modern, sustainable buildings that set the standard for how we work today.
We are proud to be one of Dublin’s largest real estate owners, and with scale, comes the opportunity to shape our city. Our buildings form the cornerstone of neighbourhoods that enhance business life, and are always, inclusive, vibrant places for all.
We see every investment, every development, every building as an opportunity to make a positive contribution to local communities and to everyone who lives, works, and socialises there.
Pictured: Wilton Park, Dublin 2
CELEBRATING THE VOICE
The National Concert Hall proudly announces full details of Celebrating the Voice, a five-day professional development programme for young singers at advanced stages of vocal development, designed and led by Tara Erraught, the internationally acclaimed Irish mezzo-soprano and National Concert Hall Artist-in-Residence for the 2024-2025 Season. The programme, involving 12 young singers, 12 events including two performances on Valentine’s Day, and seven industry experts led by Tara, runs from Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February 2025 at the National Concert Hall.
Tara Erraught
©Kristin Hoenermann
Tara will be joined by six Irish and international industry experts from the areas of performance, opera and artist management, finance, taxation and vocal health. Major figures taking part include Alexander Neef, Director General of the Paris Opera; Dearbhla Collins, pianist, Head of Artistic Administration at the National Opera Studio in London and Senior Vocal Coach at the Royal Irish Academy of Music; Morgane FauchoisPrado, pianist and Head Vocal Coach of Opera Productions at the Paris Conservatoire; Andreas Massow, Artist Manager and former Casting Director at Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich; Dr. Paul Kwak, laryngologist and laryngeal surgeon at the NYU Voice Center in New York, consultant to the Metropolitan Opera and a world authority on vocal health; and Gaby Smyth, financial and tax consultant specialising in literary, music, film, theatre and visual arts. RTÉ lyric FM presenter Liz Nolan will present all talks, panel discussions and performances.
Twelve singers – from counties Antrim, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Longford, Offaly, Wicklow and Westmeath – have been selected to take part in the programme which includes public masterclasses, vocal coaching, talks, conversations and panel discussions. It culminates with two performances featuring all singers in either recital with pianists Dearbhla Collins and Morgane Fauchois-Prado, or as part of an opera gala with the National Symphony Orchestra, Tara Erraught and the Estonian conductor Anu Tali, described as “charismatic, brilliant, energetic” by the International Herald Tribune.
Participating singers were selected on the basis of application including recordings, repertoire and stage of vocal development and achievements to date.
They are as follows:
RECITAL SINGERS
•Eiméar Harper (26), soprano (Aughrim, Co. Wicklow)
•Éadaoin Hassett (22), soprano (The Curragh, Co. Kildare)
•Bláthnaid Nicholson (25), soprano (Leixlip, Co. Kildare)
•Ellen Mawhinney (28), soprano (Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim)
•Diana Salop (20), mezzo-soprano (Dublin)
•Anna-Helena Maclachlan (23), mezzo-soprano (Delvin, Co. Westmeath)
•Patrick McGinley (29), tenor (Inishowen, Co. Donegal)
•David Kennedy (22), baritone (Eyrecourt, Co. Galway)
OPERA GALA SINGERS
•Ami Hewitt (30), soprano (Dublin)
•Deirdre Higgins (28), soprano (Tubber, Co. Offaly)
•Maria Matthews (29), soprano (Dromard, Co. Longford)
•Cathal McCabe (24), tenor (Dublin)
Celebrating the Voice workshops take place between the 10th and 14th February, culminating in A Valentine’s Day Opera Gala concert on the evening of the 14th. For more details, check our website at www.nch.ie
FRIENDS DISCOUNT PARTNERS
Discount Offers
As a Friend of The NCH you can avail of a range of different discount offers with select partners on presentation of your membership card.
Terrace Café 10% discount. Tel: 01 417 0090
Pianosplus
10% discount, plus free adjustable stool on any acoustic piano purchase T HE T ERRACE at
SIGN UP TO THE FRIENDS NEWSLETTER
Make the most of your Friends membership, sign up for email today!
Do you have an email address or know someone who can receive emails on your behalf? Email is the quickest way of informing you of last-minute events, priority booking periods, or offers that sometimes are only available in the few days leading up to the on-sale date or performance.
We would love you to join our Friends e-zine club, sign-up to receive our monthly Friends e-zine and all last-minute special offers that become available throughout the year.
We want you to get the most out of your membership and providing your email address as a way of communication is easy. Simply call the Box Office on the phone or email friends@nch.ie
INTRODUCE A FRIEND
Do you know someone who loves music? Why not introduce them to the Friends of the NCH?
For every friend you introduce, we would be pleased to present €20 voucher for use at the NCH Box Office.
Additionally, your friend will have the opportunity to join at a discounted, introductory membership price of €115.
Memberships can be purchased by:
• Calling the Friends Box Office on 01 408 6777
• Visiting www.nch.ie
• Visiting the NCH Box Office Monday–Saturday, 10:00am–6:00pm
• Mailing a cheque (payable to The NCH) to: Friends Office, The NCH, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2
Please let us know when you have referred a friend so we can facilitate your voucher. Call the Friends Office on 01 417 0067 to confirm.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS
We would like to acknowledge with appreciation and gratitude the generous support of our Corporate Partners, Corporate Members, Patrons, John Field Society Members and Friends.
PROGRAMME PARTNERS
TRUST & FOUNDATION PARTNERS
CORPORATE MEMBERS
OVATION
ENCORE
APPLAUSE
PATRONS & JOHN FIELD SOCIETY MEMBERS
Frank & Ivy Bannister • William Barton • James Billet • Michael Bourke • Sharon Burke
Brid Cannon & Juan Pablo Cortes Ocampo • Dr Tom Carey • Bernadette Coggins • Gerry Dempsey Matt Farrelly (In memorium) • Louis & Mary Fitzgerald • Dr Crona Gallagher & Jim Clery • Brian Kingham Mary Mac Aodha • Philip Meade • Brian Mc Elroy • Sinead Nic Oireachtaigh • Prof Deirdre O Grady Dr Rachel Patton • Charles Young • John Pollard Foundation • Beverly Sperry • Kieran Tobin • Dr Peter & Elva Wyatt
FRIENDS, SEASON FRIENDS AND SUPPORTING FRIENDS
Please get in touch with a member of the Partnerships & Philanthropy Team to learn more and nd out how you can support your National Concert Hall today:
Aisling Kennedy Corporate Development Executive aisling.kennedy@nch.ie
Emmet McSwiney
Individual Giving Executive emmet.mcswiney@nch.ie
Alice Sara Ott
National Symphony Orchestra
Kilfenora Céilí Band
Sheku Kanneh Mason
NATIONAL CONCERT HALL 2024—2025 SEASON
INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRAS AND RECITALS
Nobuyuki Tsujii piano 1 Feb
Prague Symphony Orchestra | Tomás Brauner conductor
Alexander Sitkovetsky violin 16 Feb
Alice Sara Ott piano 27 Feb | Capucelli 26 Mar
Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason cello & piano 26 Apr
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Domingo Hindoyan conductor | Guy Johnston cello 15 May
nch.ie Tickets: from €15 for all main stage concerts | Group Discounts & Student Tickets Available Book Now www.nch.ie
Alice Sara Ott
Gautier Capuçon
Nobuyuki Tsujii
Tomásˇ Brauner
Sheku Kanneh Mason Isata Kanneh Mason Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Domingo Hindoyan