What's On: July-August 2024

WHERE CONCERTS MAKE CONNECTIONS

Bill Whelan

Camille O’Sullivan

Nils Frahm

FÁILTE

Welcome to our What’s On Guide for July and August 2024.

Summer continues with brighter evenings and sometimes elusive sunshine and good weather. Rain or shine, the National Concert Hall programme for July-August promises to boost the mood. The calendar features a bounty of musical treasures for all ages and musical palates.

Highlights over the coming months include Nils Frahm who brings his new show Music for Dublin to the NCH on July 6 and 7 as part of the Perspectives series and the National Symphony Orchestra programme, which boasts The Music of Bill Whelan on Friday 5 July, Camille O’Sullivan Sings Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel on Friday 12 and the exquisite grand opera Lurline, by Waterford-born William Vincent Wallace, in a concert performance on Friday July 26.

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra have an equally enticing line-up which includes Éire is Alba with Zoë Conway on Friday 9 August, violinist Mari Samuelsen guests on Friday 16 August for Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons , on Friday 23 August the Orchestra present A Tribute to Barbra Streisand and on Friday 30 August Seán Keane joins them for a very special night of beautiful arrangements new and old.

Elsewhere in the programme, MusicTown in association with NCH present an exciting array of collaborations including Soda Blonde & National Symphony Orchestra on Friday 19 July and Rachael Lavelle & Crash Ensemble on Saturday 20 July, and lauded singer-songwriter Bonnie “Prince” Billy headlines Monday 26 August. In addition, July sees the return of the beloved National

Symphony Orchestra Summer Lunchtimes and August sees the equally popular RTÉ Concert Orchestra Summer Lunchtimes.

Our Learning and Participation Department have a wide selection of activities over this time including Junior and Senior Songschool, NCH Youth Choir Summer School, the return of the revered International Master Course plus Tea Dance Tunes, Bring Along a Baby and much more. Saturday 17 and Saturday 31 August see two exciting Family Concerts, Musical Picnic with The Echo Band and The Summer Wind Quintet respectively.

We hope you enjoy all the events this season and look forward to seeing you at lots of wonderful events throughout 2024.

Robert Read  CEO  National Concert Hall

NCH BOARD MEMBERS

Maura McGrath (Chairperson)

John Reynolds • Don Thornhill • Rebecca Gageby • James Cavanagh • Cliona Doris

Hilary Hough • Michelle O’Sullivan • Peter McKenna • Niamh Murray

PATRON

Michael D. Higgins President of Ireland

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July

Mon 1 - VAR 10.30am- Junior Songschool Summer Camp Fri 5 2.30pm

Mon 1 & KBRR 10.30am Summer Piano Masterclasses with Thérèse Fahy

Tues 2

Tues 2 MS 1.05pm National Symphony Orchestra Summer Lunchtime Concert

Tues 2 JFR 7.30pm Roman Kosyakov, Solo Piano

Fri 5 JFR 1.05pm Six Hands

Fri 5 MS 7.30pm National Symphony Orchestra: The Music of Bill Whelan

Sat 6 & MS 8pm Perspectives: Nils Frahm - Music for Dublin

Sun 7

Mon 8 - 103 9.30am Creative Music Making for Primary School Teachers

Fri 12

Mon 8 - 103 3pm Musical Play: Teacher Training for Early Years Music Fri 12

Tues 9 MS 1.05pm National Symphony Orchestra Summer Lunchtime Concert

Thurs 11 - S 10am NCH Youth Choir Summer School Sun 14

Fri 12 JFR 1.05pm An Afternoon of Musical Theatre with Cameron Mills

Fri 12 MS 7.30pm National Symphony Orchestra: Camille O’Sullivan sings Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel

Mon 15 - VAR 10.30 - Senior Songschool Summer Camp Fri 19 4.30pm

Tues 16 MS 1.05pm National Symphony Orchestra Summer Lunchtime Concert

MS: Main Stage JFR: John Field Room KBRR: Kevin Barry Recital Room S: Studio

Fri 19 MS 8.30pm

Sat 20 KBRR 4pm

Sat 20 S 5.30pm

MusicTown: Soda Blonde & National Symphony Orchestra

MusicTown: Róis & Muireann Ní Shé

MusicTown: E the Artist & Crash Ensemble

Sat 20 MS 8.30pm MusicTown: Rachael Lavelle & Crash Ensemble

Sun 21 KBRR 4pm

MusicTown: Moods - Aisling Ennis, Peter Power & Robyn Byrne

Sun 21 S 5.30pm MusicTown: Elaine Howley & Crash Ensemble

Sun 21 MS 8.30pm MusicTown: Mohammad Syfkhan & Crash Ensemble

Fri 26 JFR 1.05pm Singalong Songbook celebrates Percy French

Fri 26 MS 7pm National Symphony Orchestra: Lurline Opera Concert Performance

Mon 29 - VAR International Master Course

Sat 3

Wed 31 JFR 8pm IMC: Masters in Performance

August

Sat 3 JFR 1pm & 5pm IMC: End of Course Concert

Tues 6 MS 1.05pm Summer Lunchtime Concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Wed 7 JFR 1pm Tea Dance Tunes: Dementia-Friendly Concert

Thurs 8 JFR 10.30am/ Bring Along a Baby 12.30pm

Fri 9 MS 7.30pm RTÉ Concert Orchestra: Éire is Alba

Fri 16 JFR 1.05pm The John McCormack Songbook

Fri 16 MS 7.30pm Mari Samuelsen and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra perform Max Richter

A34/A35: Rooms A34/A35 103: Room 103 GR: Gamelan Room VAR: Various

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat 17 JFR 1pm

Family Concert: Musical Picnic with The Echo Band

Sun 18 MS 3pm Esker Festival Orchestra - The Planets

Tues 20 MS 1.05pm Summer Lunchtime Concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Fri 23 JFR 1.05pm Mad about the Boy – The Life and Music of Noël Coward

Fri 23 MS 7.30pm RTÉ Concert Orchestra: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand

Mon 26 JFR 12pm Tea Dance Tunes: Dementia-Friendly Concert

Mon 26 MS 8pm Bonnie “Prince” Billy

Tues 27 MS 1.05pm Summer Lunchtime Concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Wed 28 JFR 10.30am/ Bring Along a Baby 12.30pm

Fri 30 JFR 1.05pm Just a Laugh at Lunchtime

Fri 30 MS 7.30pm Seán Keane and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Sat 31 JFR 1pm Family Concert: Musical Picnic with The Summer Wind Quintet

2024 — 2025

7 September 2024

— 30 May 2025

60+ Concerts

International Orchestras and Soloists

National Symphony Orchestra & Guests

Artists-in-Residence: American composer Bryce Dessner | Opera star Tara Erraught | Presenter Jessie Grimes

Family Concerts and Screenings

Irish and World Premieres | Special Composer Anniversaries

BILL WHELAN

On Friday 5 July the National Symphony Orchestra perform an evening of orchestral works by Grammy Award-winning composer Bill Whelan.

Here are five things to know about the Limerick man who brought the world Riverdance :

1. Born in Limerick in 1950 Bill was educated at Crescent College before earning a Bachelor of Civil Law Degree from University College Dublin and finishing his studies at King’s Inns.

2. However, music was Bill’s first love and in 1976 he joined jazz-rock group Stacc before becoming a member of folk legends Planxty in 1979. He features on two of their albums; 1980’s The Woman I Loved So Well and 1983’s Words & Music

3. Bill is also a much-in-demand producer and over the years has worked with such high-profile artists as U2, Van Morrison, Kate Bush, Richard Harris, The Dubliners, Andy Irvine and Davy Spillane. Furthermore, his music for film includes scores for Dancing at Lughnasa , Some Mother’s Son and Lamb.

4. In 1994, Whelan’s composition Riverdance was performed at the interval of the Eurovision Song Contest. The piece was the genesis of the globally successful stage show. It was not Whelan’s first Eurovision association, in 1981 as a member of Planxty, he performed Timedance (a piece he composed with Donal Lunny) at the interval of that year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

5. Bill’s many accolades include a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album for Riverdance, a Lifetime Achievement Award from IMRO and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Meteor Music Awards. In addition, he is an Honorary Freeman of the City of Limerick.

Junior Songschool Summer Camp

Monday 1 – Friday 5 July 10.30am – 2.30pm

Various Locations in NCH

Junior Songschool is a chance for 8-12 year-olds to spend some time at the National Concert Hall, learning about writing, performing and recording songs. Make music and new friends!

All Songschool students receive a copy of their songs and their videos, and a Songschool certificate of participation.

Free concert for friends and family on Thursday 4 July at 2.30pm.

Please remember to bring your instrument and lunch with you.

www.createschool.ie

Tickets €112.50

Presented by NCH in association with Createschool

Summer Piano Masterclasses with Thérèse Fahy

Monday 1 – Tuesday 2 July 10.30am

Kevin Barry Recital Room

We invite advanced piano students of any age to apply for our summer piano master classes with Prof. Thérèse Fahy.

Applicants should submit a one-page resumé detailing age, music education, examinations taken, competition successes, prizes won, and recently performed repertoire.

Resumés should be emailed to education@nch.ie no later than Thursday 13 June at 5pm.

Fees: €70 for 1hr individual tuition and observation of all sessions

€50 for 40minutes individual tuition and observation of all sessions

€5 Observer Day ticket

Presented by NCH

Songschool

Thérèse Fahy

National Symphony Orchestra

Summer Lunchtime Concert

Tuesday 2 July 1.05pm

Main Stage

Alizé Léhon conductor

Rowel Friers piano

Presented by Liz Nolan , RTÉ lyric fm

Copland An Outdoor Overture

Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte

Arturo Márquez Danzón No. 2

Copland’s An Outdoor Overture transports us to the American frontier, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, courtesy of 2023 Irish Freemason’s Young Musician of the Year

Rowel Friers, to the exhilaration of the Big Apple, Márquez’s Danzón to sultry Mexico via Cuba. Ravel’s haunting Pavane pour une infante défunte provides pause for breath and reflection.

Tickets €15

Presented by NCH

Roman Kosyakov, Solo Piano

Tuesday 2 July 7.30pm

John Field Room

Roman Kosyakov piano

W.A. Mozart Piano Sonata No. 12 in F Major (K. 332)

Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Minor (Op. 61)

Maurice Ravel Miroirs (M. 43)

David Ernest McCarthy Piano Sonata No. 2 (World Premiere)

Back to Ireland again after coming third in the Dublin International Piano Competition, UK-based rising star and Hastings winner Roman Kosyakov plays the finest music in the world - Mozart, Shostakovich and Ravel - plus a David Ernest McCarthy premiere.

Tickets €29.50

Concessions Available 10% Discount for Friends of NCH and Groups of 10 or more

Presented by David Ernest McCarthy

Rowel Friers

Six Hands

Friday 5 July 1.05pm

John Field Room

Didzis Kalninš piano

Billy O’Brien piano | Máire Carroll piano

Programme includes:

Rachmaninoff Two Pieces for Six Hands

Czerny/ Mozart Overture to The Marriage of Figaro

Chopin Nocturne Op. 62 No. 1

Debussy La Cathédral engloutie (from Préludes Book 1)

Ligeti Musica Ricercata (selections)

KenDu Music presents a rich and interesting programme of works by Rachmaninoff, Czerny, Chopin, Debussy and Ligeti. Music for six hands on one piano and featuring three wonderfully talented musicians, Didzis Kalninš, Máire

Carroll and Billy O’Brien.

Tickets €20

Concessions Available

20% Discount for Friends of NCH and Groups of 15 or more

Presented by KenDu Music

National Symphony Orchestra: The Music of Bill Whelan

Friday 5 July 7.30pm

Main Stage

Gavin Maloney conductor

Julieanne Forrest violin

Athena Tergis fiddle

Séamus Ó Flatharta whistle, harp, voice and bodhrán

Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta fiddle and voice

Bill Whelan piano

Tara Howley uilleann pipes

Inishlacken

Stolen Hearts

Hymn to a Broken Marriage

Timedance

Riverdance Symphonic Suite

A rich array of orchestral works by Grammy Award-winning composer Bill Whelan including two Eurovision-related pieces: Riverdance and Timedance.

Tickets €20, €28, €36, €44.50

Limited Concessions Available

10% Discount for Friends of NCH and Groups of 10 or more

Limited €10 Student Tickets Available Presented by NCH

Julieanne Forrest - Friday 5 July

Perspectives

Nils Frahm – Music for Dublin

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 8pm Main Stage

The pioneering composer-producerpianist performs his new project Music for Dublin in a two-night residency. Part of a worldwide tour in which each show is dedicated to each city, Nils presents to Dublin brand-new material that moves between the worlds of experimental, neo-classical, ambient and electronica.

Tickets €29, €39, €49 Presented by NCH

Creative Music Making for Primary School Teachers

Monday 8 – Friday 12 July 9.30am Room 103

Mary Curran course facilitator

A Department of Education and Skills approved summer course for primary school and SEN teachers (approved for EPV days). Aligned with the primary school music curriculum, this course will encourage and equip teachers with or without a musical background to deliver imaginative, active and educational music sessions in the classroom.

Tickets €90

Presented by NCH

Nils Frahm

Deirdre Higgins - Tuesday 9 July

Musical Play: Teacher Training for Early Years Music

Monday 8 – Friday 12 July 3pm Room 103

Helen Blackmore (TUD Conservatory of Music and Drama) course facilitator

This course will provide early years educators and musicians working with young children with the confidence and musical tools to teach music effectively and with ease.

Tickets €75

Presented by NCH

National Symphony Orchestra Summer Lunchtime Concert

Tuesday 9 July 1.05pm Main Stage

Kristian Sallinen conductor

Deirdre Higgins soprano Presented by Liz Nolan , RTÉ lyric fm

Programme includes: Verdi La forza del destino Overture Mozart ‘Porgi amor’ from The Marriage of Figaro

Offenbach ‘Elle a fui, la tourterelle’ from The Tales of Hoffmann Puccini Intermezzo from Manon Lescaut Wagner Tannhäuser Overture

Favourite arias by Offenbach, Mozart and Puccini are heard alongside three orchestral showpieces including rousing Overtures by Verdi and Wagner, and Puccini’s aching Intermezzo from Manon Lescaut completing the bill.

Broadcast on The Full Score with Liz Nolan on RTÉ lyric fm.

Tickets €15

Presented by NCH

NCH Youth Choir Summer School

Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July 10am

The Studio

Ciarán Kelly course director

Fergal Caulfield accompanist

Jennifer McMahon , Naoise Whearity,

Victoria Warwick tutors

An opportunity to get involved in choral singing at the highest level, this four-day course is open to young singers of all abilities, working with choral experts and learning repertoire which is both varied and challenging. There are no auditions, so less experienced singers can sign up for full participation in rehearsals, theory and vocal lessons.

A public showcase performance will take place in the NCH Studio on Sunday 14 July at 3pm.

Tickets €180

Presented by NCH / Cór Linn music director

Ciarán Kelly

An Afternoon of Musical Theatre with Cameron Mills

Friday 12 July 1.05pm

John Field Room

Cameron Mills vocals

Kate Robey piano

Pat Fagan guitar and vocals

Cameron Mills is a Classic Brit Award nominated English tenor, performing the hits from the world of musical theatre, classical and contemporary music. Thomas has blown away audiences across the UK and Ireland, as well as having a worldwide following.

Tickets €20

Presented by Cameron Mills and the Cameron Mills Group

Cór Linn Cameron Mills

CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN

On Friday 12 July Camille O’Sullivan performs the songs of Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Here are five things to know about the famous French chanteuse:

1. Édith Piaf was born Édith Giovanna Gassion in Belleville, Paris, on 19 December 1915. Abandoned by her mother shortly after birth, she spent much of her childhood with her grandmother, who ran a brothel.

2. In 1935, Piaf was discovered by Louis Leplée, who owned the successful club Le Gerny off the Champs-Élysées. At this time, she earned the nickname The Little Sparrow (La Môme Piaf ) due to her small stature and nervous energy.

3. Admired by luminaries like Jean Cocteau, Piaf was one of the most popular performers in France during World War II. She was the subject of controversy due to her concerts for German servicemen, but it was later revealed she was instrumental in helping a number of prisoners of war escape.

4. After the war, her fame spread quickly. She toured Europe, South America and the United States where her shows received rave reviews. Her popularity was such that she was invited to perform on the legendary Ed Sullivan Show on several occasions during the 1950s.

5. Piaf passed away due to liver cancer at the age of 47 on 10 October 1963. She is buried in Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris where her grave is one of the most visited.

National Symphony Orchestra:

Camille O’Sullivan sings Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel

Friday 12 July 7.30pm Main Stage

John Rigby conductor

Camille O’Sullivan vocals

Feargal Murray piano and music co-ordinator

Derek McKenna accordion

The remarkable Camille O’Sullivan pays tribute to the unforgettable French chanteuse Edith Piaf, ‘the Little Sparrow’ and legendary Belgian singer Jacques Brel. Expect Piaf songs such as Non, je ne regrette rien , Milord and La Vie en rose plus Brel favourites like Ne me quitte pas , Amsterdam and Jackie.

Tickets €17.50, €28, €36, €44.50

Limited Concessions Available 10% Discount for Friends of NCH and Groups of 10 or more

Limited €10 Student Tickets Available Presented by NCH

Senior Songschool Summer Camp

Monday 15 – Friday 19 July 10.30am - 4.30pm Various Locations in NCH

Senior Songschool is a chance for 13–18 -year-olds to spend some time at the National Concert Hall, learning about writing, performing and recording songs. Make music and new friends!

All Songschool students receive a copy of their songs and their videos, and a Songschool certificate of participation.

Free concert for friends and family on Thursday 18 July at 6pm.

Please remember to bring your instrument and lunch with you.

www.createschool.ie

Tickets €150

Presented by NCH in association with Createschool

Camille O’Sullivan

Youth Choir Summer School

Ciarán Kelly director

THURSDAY 11 JULY - SUNDAY 14 JULY 2024 10AM-4PM NCH STUDIO

Open to all young singers aged 14-19, this is an opportunity to learn choral skills from five expert tutors led by Ciarán Kelly, music director of the NCH’s youth choir Cór Linn. The course includes rehearsals, conducting, theory and individual coaching sessions plus plenty of social time too. Repertoire is varied, from Palestrina to Ola Gjielo with even a bit of opera thrown in! Challenging but great fun, the course concludes with a free performance for family and friends.

Fee: €180 • Places are limited so book early

See nch.ie for details

National Symphony Orchestra Summer Lunchtime Concert

Tuesday 16 July 1.05pm Main Stage

Gavin Maloney conductor Pawel Waleski piano

Presented by Liz Nolan , RTÉ lyric fm

Gounod Ballet Music from Faust Liszt Totentanz

Mussorgsky arr. Rimsky-Korsakov Night on Bald Mountain

A devilish time is guaranteed as we enter realms of the demonic and fantastic with delirious dances from the Ballet Music from Gounod’s Faust. 2023 RIAM Maura Dowdall prize-winner Pawel Waleski takes to the piano for Liszt’s thrilling ‘dance with the dead’, Totentanz.

Tickets €15

Presented by NCH

MusicTown: Soda Blonde & National Symphony Orchestra

Friday 19 July 8.30pm Main Stage

For this very special one-off MusicTown event, Dublin pop band Soda Blonde perform their acclaimed Choice Music Prize-nominated second album Dream Big alongside the National Symphony Orchestra featuring guest conductor David Brophy and scores from Gavin Murphy.

Tickets €28

Presented by MusicTown in association with NCH

Soda Blonde - Friday 19 July

Ensemble

MusicTown: Róis & Muireann Ní Shé

Saturday 20 July 4pm

Kevin Barry Recital Room

This second in the series of MusicTown events is a collaboration between Donegal composer and performer Róis and Muireann Ní Shé, uilleann piper, multi-instrumentalist and singer from County Cork.

Tickets €10

Presented by MusicTown in association with NCH

MusicTown: E the Artist & Crash Ensemble

Saturday 20 July 5.30pm

The Studio

E The Artist Crash Ensemble

MusicTown presents a collaboration between Irish sound and visual artist E The Artist (Yoruba), whose musical works interrogate and reimagine contemporary and past African diasporic sounds and Ireland’s leading new music group, Crash Ensemble.

Tickets €10

Presented by MusicTown in association with NCH

Muireann Ní Shé

Crash

Rachael Lavelle

MusicTown: Rachael Lavelle & Crash Ensemble

Saturday 20 July 8.30pm

Main Stage

Dublin born composer and singer Rachael Lavelle joins forces with acclaimed new music group Crash Ensemble for this MusicTown event. Rachael’s debut album Big Dreams was released last year to widespread acclaim and was nominated for the Choice Music Prize for Best Album.

Tickets €20

Presented by MusicTown in association with NCH

MusicTown: Moods - Aisling Ennis, Peter Power & Robyn Byrne

Sunday 21 July 4pm

Kevin Barry Recital Room

Aisling Ennis | Peter Power

Robyn Byrne

This very special Harp Ireland MusicTown event is a collaboration between harpist Aisling Ennis, visual and sound artist Peter Power and dancer and choreographer Robyn Byrne. Join these three artists in a series of original compositions, interpretations of existing material and improvisations centred around embodied performance.

Tickets €10

Presented by MusicTown & Harp Ireland in association with NCH

MusicTown: Elaine Howley &x Crash Ensemble

Sunday 21 July 5.30pm

The Studio

Cork-based producer and songwriter Elaine Howley and acclaimed new music group, Crash Ensemble, collaborate for this unique MusicTown event. Elaine Howley is a songwriter, vocalist and producer who merges a tapestry of experimental and analogue processes with a love for classic songwriting and melody.

Tickets €12.50

Presented by MusicTown in association with NCH

MusicTown: Mohammad Syfkhan & Crash Ensemble

Sunday 21 July 8.30pm Main Stage

Irish based Kurdish/Syrian singer and Bouzouki player Mohammad Syfkhan and the revered Crash Ensemble come together for this special MusicTown performance. Mohammad’s own brand of ecstatic music takes elements from Middle Eastern and North African music to create an atmosphere of joy, love and happiness.

Tickets €20

Presented by MusicTown in association with NCH

Elaine Howley

Rachel Kelly - Friday 26 July

Singalong Songbook Celebrates

Percy French

Friday 26 July 1.05pm

John Field Room

Linda Kenny singer

Damian Smith singer Jimmy Brockie piano

The Singalong Songbook celebrates the exquisite talent of Roscommon poet, author, songwriter and artist Percy French, and sprinkle their trademark magic over his story, bringing to life some of his most iconic songs.

Tickets €20

Presented by The Singalong Songbook

National Symphony Orchestra: Lurline Opera Concert Performance

Friday 26 July 7pm

Main Stage

Péter Halász conductor Cast includes:

Rachel Kelly Lurline

Ashely Riches Rheinberg

Luis Gomes Count Rudolph Lurline Opera Chorus

Vivian Coates director/designer

Duncan Brickenden chorus master

Una Hunt producer

The National Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present Lurline, the exquisite grand opera by Waterford-born William Vincent Wallace in a concert performance. Based on the Lorelei legend of the Rhine mermaid, William Wallace’s exquisite Lurline is the composer’s most romantic work and one of his most lavish and dramatic operas.

Tickets €15, €23.50, €31, €38.50

Limited Concessions Available 10% Discount for Friends of NCH and Groups of 10 or more

Limited €10 Student Tickets Available Presented by NCH & Heritage Music Productions with funding from the Arts Council

International Master Course

International Master Course

International Master Course: Masters in Performance

Monday 29 July – Saturday 3 August

Various Times and Venues in NCH

The National Concert Hall’s International Master Course returns offering Irish and international musicians the opportunity to partake in a series of masterclasses and seminars by prominent, distinguished artists.

Daily Observer tickets €5

Presented by NCH

Wednesday 31 July 8pm

John Field Room

Sarah Christian violin

Gwendolyn Masin violin

Hartmut Rohde viola

Maximilian Hornung cello

Hisako Kawamura piano

Dearbhla Brosnan piano

Abbie McDonagh violin

Martin Moriarty viola

Patrick Moriarty cello

Edvard Grieg Andante con Moto

Josef Suk Elegy for Piano Trio, Op. 23

Felix Mendelssohn String Quintet No. 2, Op. 87

Amanda Feery Gone to Earth

Johannes Brahms Piano Quartet No. 3 C

minor Op.60

Join the esteemed faculty of the inaugural International Master Course for a stimulating evening of solo and chamber music.

Kindly supported by TJ O’Connor, the Sheridan Family in memory of Patricia Sheridan, and Blánaid Hayes in memory of her father Roy Hayes.

Tickets €15

Concessions Available

20% Discount for Friends of NCH

Presented by NCH

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: ‘Liffey Grid’ a 4x10 metre gate by artist Charles Tyrrell. Commissioned for our Tropical Fruit Warehouse development in Dublin 2.

Martynas Stakionis- Tuesday 6 August

International Master Course: End Of Course Concert

Saturday 3 August 1pm & 5pm

John Field Room

Enjoy two separate concerts of all the chamber works the students and faculty have worked on during the course along with solo performances from some of the students.

Kindly supported by TJ O’Connor, the Sheridan Family in memory of Patricia Sheridan, and Blánaid Hayes in memory of her father Roy Hayes.

Tickets €10

Concessions Available

20% Discount for Friends of NCH

Ticket to both 1pm & 5pm Concert Bundle €12.50

Presented by NCH

Summer Lunchtime Concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Tuesday 6 August 1.05pm

Main Stage

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Martynas Stakionis conductor Ava Dodd soprano

Programme includes: Beethoven Coriolan Overture

Strauss Die Fledermaus Overture

Janácˇek Adagio JW VI/5

Bellini ‘Qui la voce’ from I Puritani

Martynas Stakionis conducts the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in the first of the RTÉ 2024 Summer Lunchtime concert series, joined by Irish soprano Ava Dodd.

Tickets €15

Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Tea Dance Tunes: Dementia-Friendly Concert

Wednesday 7 August 1pm

John Field Room

We invite people living with dementia, their carers and families to enjoy a concert of favourite songs and music.

‘Each one, even the most reserved guests, brighten and react with the music, in their own individual way. And then, when the concert is over, there is an atmosphere of contentment and calm.’ – Nancy Previs, Journalist

Tickets €2.50

Presented by NCH

Bring Along a Baby

Thursday 8 August 10.30am & 12.30pm

John Field Room

Bring Along a Baby is an informal, relaxed, accessible chamber music recital of the highest standard, aimed primarily at parents, while babies or very young children sleep, feed and play.

There is no pressure to keep still or quiet, leaving parents free to sit back and enjoy the music. In fact, we encourage the babies to interact naturally with the music, and we have play mats and soft toys to this end.

Of course, the babies benefit from the music as well, so it’s a win-win.

Tickets €13, babies go free!

Presented by NCH in association with Classical Kids

Tea Dance Tunes

Conway

Éire is Alba

Friday 9 August 7.30pm

Main Stage

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

David Brophy conductor

Zoë Conway fiddle

John McIntyre guitar

Julie Fowlis vocalist

Éamon Doorley bouzouki, fiddle, vocals

Programme Includes:

Zoë Conway Straif (arranged by Gavin Murphy)

Zoë Conway and John McIntyre Ómos

Sheamuis

Julie Fowlis Ciumhne

John McIntyre Fidléir Gleann Finne

Julie Fowlis Smeórach Chlann Domhnaill

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Concert Orchestra Associate Artist Zoë Conway, John McIntyre, Julie Fowlis and Éamon Doorley perform a magical folk delight. Celebrating a shared heritage where Ireland and Scotland meet, and traditional and folk music meet classical.

Tickets €15, €20, €26.50, €32, €42.50

Limited Concessions Available

10% Discount for Groups of 10 or more

Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

The John McCormack Songbook

Friday 16 August 1.05pm

John Field Room

Ross Scanlon tenor

David O’Shea piano

Celebrating its 12th year, this sell-out recital returns to the NCH with critically acclaimed tenor Ross Scanlon and pianist David O’Shea. Be transported back in time and hear McCormack classics such as I Hear You Calling Me, Macushla , Angels Guard Thee and many more.

Tickets €20

Concessions Available 10% Discount for Friends of NCH

Presented by Ross Scanlon & David O’Shea

Zoë

Mari Samuelsen and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra perform

Max Richter

Friday 16 August 7.30pm

Main Stage

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Mari Samuelsen violin/leader

Programme includes:

Max Richter Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons Nils Frahm Hammers

Arvo Pärt Fratres

Max Richter ‘She Remembers’ from The Leftovers

Exclusive Deutsche Grammophon violinist

Mari Samuelsen brings Max Richter’s The Four Seasons Recomposed and more international string soundscapes to Ireland, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Max Richter will not be performing at this concert.

Tickets €15, €20, €26.50, €32, €42.50

Limited Concessions Available

10% Discount for Groups of 10 or more Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Family Concert: Musical Picnic with The Echo Band

Saturday 17 August 1pm

John Field Room

Join The Echo Band for a bilingual family concert where the band and audience will get to share cúpla focal together. All ages will get to enjoy plenty of ceol, craic, damhsa and of course some rírá agus ruaille buaille. No need to be able to speak Irish to be able to join in and enjoy the concert.

Foyer activities from 12.15pm

Tickets: Child €10, Adult €12, Family €37 (4 tickets, maximum 2 adults)

Under 3s go free Picnics €5 per person Presented by NCH

Mari Samuelsen

Esker Festival Orchestra

The Planets

Sunday 18 August 3pm

Main Stage

The Esker Festival Orchestra

The Esker Festival Choir

Peter Joyce conductor

Zoë Nagle cello

Arnold Schoenberg Six Little Piano Pieces

Op. 19, arranged for orchestra by Peter Joyce

Edward Elgar Concerto in E minor for Cello and Orchestra Op. 85

Tom Lane Earth, the Cradle of Life (World Premiere)

Gustav Holst The Planets Suite for Large Orchestra Op. 32

The Esker Festival Orchestra performs Holst’s The Planets , Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor and short works by Schoenberg and Dublin-based composer Tom Lane.

Tickets €30

Concessions Available

20% Discount for Friends of NCH

30% Discount for Groups of 10 or more

The Esker Festival Orchestra is supported by the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, the Arts Council of Ireland and RTÉ Supporting the Arts and the Contemporary Music Centre. Presented by Esker Festival Orchestra

Killian Farrell

Summer Lunchtime Concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Tuesday 20 August 1.05pm

Main Stage

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Killian Farrell conductor

Sarah Brazil violin

Presented by Liz Nolan , RTÉ lyric fm

Saint-Saëns Havanaise

Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo

Capriccioso

Smetana ‘Vltava’ from Má Vlast

Dvorˇák Carnival Overture

Talented violinist Sarah Brazil, about to turn just 16 years of age, performs a range of 19th century Romantic music for this RTÉ Concert Orchestra Summer Lunchtime concert under Dublin-born conductor

Killian Farrell.

Tickets €15

Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Esker Festival Orchestra

Louise Dearman - Friday 23 August

Mad About the Boy – The Life and Music of Noël Coward

Friday 23 August 1.05pm

John Field Room

Sandra Oman soprano

Simon Morgan baritone

Pete McCamley actor

David Wray piano

All songs composed by Noël Coward.

Sandra Oman and Simon Morgan interpret the Noël Coward Songbook, with actor Pete McCamley, in the role of Noël Coward. Featuring I’ll See You Again, Someday I’ll Find You, Mad About the Boy and The Last Time I Saw Paris

Tickets €22

Concessions Available

Friends of NCH and Groups of 10 or more €20

Presented by Sheldon Nulty Music

RTÉ Concert Orchestra: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand

Friday 23 August 7.30pm

Main Stage

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Richard Balcombe conductor

Louise Dearman , Katie Birtill and Graham Bickley vocalists

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conducted by Richard Balcombe and joined by world-class vocalists Louise Dearman, Katie Birtill and Graham Bickley, pay tribute to funny girl, Barbra Streisand.

Tickets €15, €20, €26.50, €32, €42.50

Limited Concessions Available Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in association with GRB Concerts

Tea Dance Tunes: Dementia-Friendly Concert

Monday 26 August 12pm

John Field Room

We invite people living with dementia, their carers and families to enjoy a concert of favourite songs and music.

‘Each one, even the most reserved guests, brighten and react with the music, in their own individual way. And then, when the concert is over, there is an atmosphere of contentment and calm.’ – Nancy Previs, Journalist

Tickets €2.50

Presented by NCH

Bonnie “Prince” Billy

Monday 26 August 8pm

Main Stage

Acclaimed American songwriter Bonnie “Prince” Billy brings his latest album Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You to the National Concert Hall. KSWDY presents simply – an album made as it was meant to be heard, in a room. It is the sound of people together: playing, communing and singing.

Support is Nuala Kennedy.

Tickets €40

Presented by Foggy Notions

Bonnie “Prince” Billy - Monday 26 August

Summer Lunchtime Concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Tuesday 27 August 1.05pm

Main Stage

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Karen Ní Bhroin conductor

Michael Seaver clarinet

Macdara Ó Seireadáin basset horn

Liz Nolan , RTÉ lyric fm, presenter

Bacewicz Overture for Symphonic Orchestra

Borodin In the Steppes of Central Asia

Mendelssohn Konzertstück No. 1 (Op. 113) and No. 2 (Op. 114) for Clarinet and Basset horn

Dvorˇák Slavonic Dances [excerpts]

This final RTÉ Concert Orchestra 2024

Summer Lunchtime concert brings to life the moving Overture by Bacewicz, Borodin’s symphonic poem In the Steppes of Central Asia , concert pieces from Mendelssohn, and excerpts from Dvorˇák’s Slavonic Dances

Tickets €15

Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Bring Along a Baby

Wednesday 28 August 10.30am & 12.30pm

John Field Room

Bring Along a Baby is an informal, relaxed, accessible chamber music recital of the highest standard, aimed primarily at parents, while babies or very young children sleep, feed and play.

There is no pressure to keep still or quiet, leaving parents free to sit back and enjoy the music. In fact, we encourage the babies to interact naturally with the music, and we have play mats and soft toys to this end.

Of course, the babies benefit from the music as well, so it’s a win-win.

Tickets €13, babies go free!

Presented by NCH in association with Classical Kids

Just A Laugh at Lunchtime

Friday 30 August 1.05pm

John Field Room

Jack Morrissey baritone

Brian McIvor bass & piano

Rodney Devitt tenor

Once again - fifty-five minutes of song, recitation and diversion, featuring Jack Morrissey, Brian McIvor and “the Major”, Rodney Devitt, with their celebrated blend of wit, musicality and sheer enjoymentincluding zany songs, quirky recitations and a scintillating script - this is a show to put a smile on your face.

Tickets €20

Concessions Available

10% Discount for Friends of NCH

15% Discount for Groups of 10 or more

Presented by Jack & Mac Productions

Karen Ní Bhroin

Seán Keane and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Friday 30 August 7.30pm

Main Stage

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Seán Keane

David Brophy conductor

Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears

Nature’s Little Symphony

Piper to the End

Seán Keane, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and conductor David Brophy return for a very special night of beautiful arrangements new and old.

Tickets €15, €20, €26.50, €32, €42.50

Limited Concessions Available

Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Family Concert: Musical Picnic with The Summer Wind Quintet

Saturday 31 August 1pm

John Field Room

Join us for a family picnic lunchtime concert where we bring the outdoors indoors with some great music and other fun activities. Come early and meet the musicians, try out some instruments, and have fun with musical face-painting! Then come into the John Field Room to enjoy our interactive concert with The Summer Wind Quintet, featuring classical music and family favourites.

Foyer activities from 12.15pm

Tickets: Child €10, Adult €12, Family €37 (4 tickets, maximum 2 adults) Under 3s go free Picnics €5 per person Presented by NCH

Seán Keane

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

PATRONS & JOHN FIELD SOCIETY MEMBERS

Deirdre Baneham • Frank & Ivy Bannister • William Barton • James Billet • Michael Bourke • Tom Bryant Sharon Burke • Brid Cannon & Juan Pablo Cortes Ocampo • Dr Tom Carey • Dorothy Clements Bernadette Coggins • Mary Costello Ryan • Louis & Mary Fitzgerald • Mary Fletcher Dr Crona Gallagher & Jim Clery • Noel Hinney • Brian Kingham • Mary Mac Aodha • Deirdre Mc Connell Brian Mc Elroy • Sinead Nic Oireachtaigh • Prof Deirdre O Grady • Tiernan O hAlmhain Dr Rachel Patton • 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 find 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

NCH SEATING PLAN

NATIONAL CONCERT HALL 2024 — 2025 SEASON

FRI 13 SEPT 2024

7.30PM

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MIHHAIL GERTS conductor

DAME SARAH CONNOLLY mezzo-soprano

Dvorˇák In Nature’s Realm

Alma Mahler Six Songs (arr. Colin and David Matthews) Mahler Symphony No. 1, Titan

“WHATEVER SHE SINGS, YOU GET SINGING STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART” The Times

Tickets from €15 nch.ie