NCH Spring 2018 Calendar of Events

WHAT’S ON SPRING 2018

WELCOME NCH, Ireland’s National Concert Hall, is a meeting place for music of all genres and all audiences. As ever, our programme for Spring offers wonderful musical experiences, from the new and innovative to the classic and traditional, for opera lovers and jazz fans, for children and families, for the aficionado and the first-time attendee – all music, for everyone.

Whatever your music, I hope you’ll find plenty of reasons to come and share our music in the coming months.

Simon Taylor CEO

Patron Michael D. Higgins President of Ireland The National Concert Hall is supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Resident at the National Concert Hall RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Chamber Choir Ireland Irish Baroque Orchestra Crash Ensemble Music Network Music Generation

SPRING 2018

CONTENTS January-March Events Coming Soon Calendar Listings General Information

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

3 43 49 61

Magdalena Kožená

FEATURES Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Page 2

Baroque Heroines Page 18

New Music Dublin John Harris - New Music Dublin

nch.ie

Page 30

FEATURE

ESTONIAN PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER CHOIR: The Songs That Built A Nation

Tallinn, Estonia

There is much to celebrate in modern Estonia. The paragon of innovation which invented Skype also does practically everything online – tax returns, healthcare, even voting in elections. For a country of only around 1.3 million people which is more than 50% forest, Estonia is perhaps an unlikely global leader.

Estimated at something between five to twelve thousand years old, the Estonians are one of the oldest peoples on earth. While the country’s tech advances and environmental friendliness may now be the envy of the world, there has long been an association much closer to the hearts of the citizens: singing. As Katharine Schwab of The Atlantic wrote: ‘Perhaps more than any other country in the world, the history of the nation of Estonia is a story set to song.’

The visit of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir to the NCH marks the centenary of the foundation of the Republic of Estonia on 24th February 1918. This came after centuries of occupation, but freedom was short lived. The nation would only have a mere 22 years to celebrate their Independence Day until the Soviet occupation of Estonia in 1940.

2

nch.ie

FEATURE National ensembles tend to symbolise the character and history of their country of provenance, but there may be none more fitting than the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.

As with many occupied lands, Estonia has had a tumultuous relationship with its occupiers, but unlike most, it took up the arms of music. Remarkably, in the late 1980s Estonians forged their split from the Soviet Union through what became known as the ‘singing revolution’.

The nation has been hosting enormous song festivals featuring choirs of around 20,000 – 30,000 since 1869. During the 1947 song festival (the first under the rule of the U.S.S.R), the Estonians defied the Soviets by performing a musical version of an old poem “Mu Isamaa On Minu Arm” (My Country Is My Love). The song’s peaceful defiance and its espousal of a gentle nationalism was contagious, and performances were repeated in later festivals - the song becoming an unofficial national anthem.

Estonians weaponised by song became freedom fighters by another name, prompting activist Heinz Valk to write: “A nation who makes it revolution by singing and smiling should be a sublime example to all.” Confounding traditional expectations, Estonia proudly declared its ‘singing revolution’ a success when achieving its independence without violence on 20th August 1991.

Today, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, founded in 1981, embodies this unity and resilience through song and has played no small part in spreading the music of Estonian composers, such as Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Galina Grigoryeva and Cyrillus Kreek - all of whom feature in the programme for the NCH. The fact that Pärt has been the most performed living composer in the world for

nch.ie

the last six consecutive years is helped in no small measure by ensembles such as the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir performing on the world’s great stages, and rendering the most critical audiences speechless.

Perhaps it is the Estonians’ oneness with song and their country’s astonishing choral history which has helped make the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir such a musical force, but the ensemble has certainly become a phenomenon far beyond the 3,794 km weaving coastline of northern Europe. The singing revolution may have passed but a live experience of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is like no other on earth.

Arvo Pärt Estonian pronunciation: [arvo pært] Born: September 11, 1935, in Paide, Estonia Occupation: Composer - Pärt is the most performed living composer in the world for the sixth year running (followed by John Williams and John Adams) Compositional Styles: “Holy Minimalism” and Tintinnabuli Selection of Awards: All-Union Young Composers Competition in Moscow, 1962; Estonian Music Prize for Tabula rasa, 1977; Brückepreis, 2007; Léonie Sonning Music Prize, 2008; Praemium Imperiale award, Japan 2014; Ratzinger Prize, 2017 Best Known Compositions: Spiegel im Spiegel, Fratres, De Profundis, Lamentate, Tabula Rasa

By Michael Quinn

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir perform works by Pärt, O’Reilly, Kreek and more, 31 January as part of the NCH International Concert Series 17/18.

3

JANUARY 2018

JANUARY

Katherine Lynch in ANNIE

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra New Year Celebration Monday 1 January 3:30pm

ANNIE The Musical Tuesday 2 January 2pm/6pm Wednesday 3 January 2pm/6pm

Main Stage

Main Stage

Neil Thomson conductor Claudia Boyle soprano Presented by George Hamilton, RTÉ lyric fm

Annie comes to the National Concert Hall this Christmas with a brand new production of the classic family musical

by Festival Productions. This lavish production features Katherine Lynch as Miss Hannigan, among a star-studded cast, with spectacular costumes and sets, the wonderful Festival chorus, dancers and orchestra.

Star soprano Claudia Boyle joins the RTÉ NSO for a special Viennese concert to celebrate the New Year. Join us for a glass of bubbly as Strauss II’s Tales of the Vienna Woods and the famous Champagne Polka weave through the air.

Tickets: €49.50, €44.50, €34.50 (Choir Balcony: €24.50) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra New Years Day brunch from 12.30pm in the Terrace Restaurant.

4

Tickets: €36, €32, €29 Child Price: €25 available for matinées only.

Presented by Festival Productions

nch.ie

JANUARY 2018 The National Youth Orchestra of Ireland New Year Gala Thursday 4 January 8pm Main Stage

Join the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Gearóid Grant, for a spectacular New Year celebration!

NYOI works with the next generation of musicians (aged 12-18) on a full symphonic programme; an exciting concert not to be missed!

Tickets: €20 | Children under 18: €10 Concessions available Presented by the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. Sponsored by the Department of Education and Skills and The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon

Bella Voce In Concert Friday 5 January 1:05pm John Field Room

Siobhan Kilkelly pianist Helene Murray soprano Eoin Hynes tenor A classical lunchtime concert in aid of the International Organisation of Catholic Nurses. Repertoire to include popular arias from Puccini & Gounod, Neopolitan songs and musical theatre favourites.

Tickets: €20 Presented by The Catholic Nurses Guild of Ireland

Peter Jablonski

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra American Gala Friday 5 January 7:30pm Main Stage

Alexander Shelley conductor Peter Jablonski piano John Finucane clarinet Ellington The Three Black Kings Gershwin Concerto in F Bernstein Overture to West Side Story Bernstein Prelude, Fugue and Riffs Joplin Maple Leaf Rag & Ragtime Gershwin An American in Paris Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

nch.ie

5

JANUARY 2018

Siobhán Doyle

Anna Cashell

Chamber Music Gathering 2018

Chamber Music Gathering 2018

Saturday 6 January 11am

Saturday 6 January 1pm

Kevin Barry Recital Room

The Studio

Siún Milne violin David McElroy violin Ed Creedon viola Beth McNinch viola Christopher Ellis cello

Anna Cashell violin Lynda O’Connor violin Cian Ó Dúill viola Fiachra de hOra viola Killian White cello

Beethoven String Quintet in C minor Op. 104 Siobhán Doyle violin Gina Maria McGuinness violin Aiveen Gallagher viola Nathan Sherman viola Sinéad O’Halloran cello Gerald Peregrine cello Dvorˇák String Sextet in A major, Op. 48 Tickets: €15 Presented by NCH in association with the National String Quartet Foundation.

Mozart String Quintet No. 6 in E flat major, K. 614 Roisin Walters violin David Tobin violin Neasa Ní Bhriain viola Simon Aspell viola Annette Cleary cello Miriam Roycroft cello Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht Op. 4 Phoebe White violin Cliodhna Ryan violin Robin Panter viola Christopher Marwood cello Malachy Robinson double bass Dvorˇák Double Bass Quintet No. 2 in G major, Op. 77 Tickets: €15 Presented by NCH in association with the National String Quartet Foundation.

6

nch.ie

JANUARY 2018

Helena Wood

Orla Boylan

Chamber Music Gathering 2018

Irish National Opera The Big Bang!

Inaugural Concert

Saturday 6 January 4:30pm University Church, St. Stephen’s Green

Helena Wood violin Siún Milne violin Ed Creedon viola Aiveen Gallagher viola Gerald Peregrine cello Mendelssohn String Quintet No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 87 Lynda O’Connor violin Siobhán Doyle violin Nathan Sherman viola Cian Ó Dúill viola Ailbhe McDonagh cello Sinéad O’Halloran cello Brahms String Sextet No. 2 in G major, Op. 36 Patrick Rafter violin Gina Maria McGuinness violin Simon Aspell viola Seamus Hickey viola Christopher Ellis cello Killian White cello Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence Op. 70 Tickets: €15 Presented by NCH in association with the National String Quartet Foundation.

nch.ie

Tuesday 9 January 7.30pm Main Stage

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Celebrate the launch of Irish National Opera with Orla Boylan, Claudia Boyle, Sharon Carty, Jennifer Davis, Anna Devin, Imelda Drumm, Máire Flavin, Ben McAteer, John Molloy, Miriam Murphy, Gavan Ring and Padraic Rowan. Fergus Sheil conducts music by Verdi, Wagner, Rossini, Tchaikovsky and Gounod.

Tickets: €45, €38, €30, €22, €15 Presented by Irish National Opera

Frances Black & Kieran Goss Reunion Tour Wednesday 10 January 8pm Main Stage

Following the success of this musical partnership some 25 years ago, Frances and Kieran return as part of their reunion tour to perform a selection of songs from their back catalogue.

Tickets: €32.50 Presented by David Hull Promotions

7

JANUARY 2018 Pipeworks Organ Recital Friday 12 January 6pm Main Stage

Peter Barley organ

Mia Cooper

Musici Ireland at the National Gallery

Bedrich Antonin Wiedermann Impetuoso Jehan Alain Aria César Franck Fantaisie in A Jehan Alain Postlude pour L’Office de Complies Jehan Alain Litanies Tickets: Free ticketed event Presented by Pipeworks, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and NCH

Thursday 11 January 6:30pm Shaw Room, National Gallery

Mia Cooper and Siún Milne violins Beth McNinch viola; Katie Tertell cello Beethoven String Quartet Op. 18 No. 1 Mendelssohn String Quartet Op. 13 No. 2 in A minor Tickets: €20 Presented by NCH and the National Gallery in conjunction with the annual exhibition of the Vaughan bequest of Turner watercolours Valeriy Sokolov

Seasons of Sinatra Prelude to Spring Friday 12 January 1:05pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Symphonie Fantastique

John Field Room

Friday 12 January 7:30pm

Sean Hession Jim Doherty piano Dave Fleming double bass Myles Drennan drums

Main Stage

In this first concert of a series, leading Sinatra exponent Sean Hession heralds 2018 with a seasonally-themed lunchtime concert of classics. Punctuate the year ahead with a selection of seasonal Frank Sinatra interludes.

Stanislav Kochanovsky conductor Valeriy Sokolov violin Debussy Prélude a L’apres-midi d’un faune Bartók Violin Concerto No. 2 Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Tickets: €18 | Concessions available Presented by Sean Hession and Michele Rock

8

nch.ie

JANUARY 2018 Mini Music Saturdays January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24 March 3, 10, 24 Mini Music – an action packed workshop experience for babies and young children aged 3 months to 8 years old.

Mini Minors 10.20am : 3-12 months Mini Majors 11.00am: 1-2 years Mini Mezzos 10.20am & 11.40am: 2-3 years Mini Muchos 12.20am & 1:50pm: 3-4 years Mini Maxis 1pm & 1.45pm: 4-5 years Tickets: €120 per 10-week term Presented by NCH

Dublin Youth Orchestras annual concert Saturday 13 January 7pm Main Stage

The The The The

Junior Strings Orchestra Intermediate Orchestra Concert Orchestra Symphony Orchestra

Dublin Youth Orchestras consist of 4 separate orchestras with a total of 400 young players between the ages of 9 and 21.

Tickets: €25 Children: €15 Concessions available Presented by Dublin Youth Orchestras

Ronan Collins

Reeling in The Showband Years Sunday 14 January 8pm Main Stage

The magic of the dance hall days recreated on stage!

Don’t miss the number one showband show across the nation with Ronan Collins, Red Hurley, Gina from The Champions, The Conquerors Showband, Dave Lawlor, Keith and Lorraine McDonald and Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg.

Tickets: €35, €30 (Choir Balcony: €25) Concessions available Presented by Tommy Swarbrigg

nch.ie

9

JANUARY 2018 Choral Music in Ireland: History & Evolution

NCH Ensembles: Percussion Lab

Tuesdays 16, 23, 30 January and 6, 13, 20 February 1:10pm

Tuesdays, starting 16 Jan 6:30pm

Kevin Barry Recital Room

This popular Tuesday lunchtime lecture series explores the broad history of Irish choral music, both amateur and professional. Talks will include musical illustrations by members of Chamber Choir Ireland.

Tickets: €5 | Bundle for all 6 talks: €25 Presented by NCH and supported by Chamber Choir Ireland.

Room 103

A drumming ensemble for anyone aged 16+. No previous experience is required, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm!

Tickets: €65 per 8-week term Presented by NCH

Pierce Turner Award Winning Musician Tuesday 16 January 8pm John Field Room

Pierce Turner is a critically-acclaimed composer, songwriter and performer.

Now living in Manhattan, Turner has been described by New York Magazine as “one of this city’s great gems.”

He has scored music for TV and film including HBO’s The Wire. This concert will feature a broad spectrum of Pierce Turner’s renowned songs, new and old.

Tickets: €25 Presented by Pierce Turner Mark Simpson

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Music of Our Time Tuesday 16 January 1:05pm Main Stage

Brett Dean conductor Mark Simpson clarinet Ed Bennett Freefalling RTÉ commission Brett Dean Ariel’s Music A breakthrough clarinet concerto and Freefalling, partially inspired by the 2012 freefall record by the Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner.

NCH New Friends Tour Wednesday 17 January 3pm Get to know the NCH with a behind the scenes tour. View some of our recently renovated spaces, learn about our ongoing developments. A glimpse into some lesser seen areas of the Hall!

Tickets: Complimentary to new NCH Friends and a guest. Please contact the Friends Box Office on 01 408 6777 Presented by NCH

Tickets: €5 with FREE entry for students and accompanying teachers. UNRESERVED SEATING Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

10

nch.ie

JANUARY 2018 NCH Ensembles: NCH Sing Out! Choir Wednesdays starting 17 Jan 7:45pm Room 103

Come together and find your voice!

There are no auditions or other criteria for enrolment.

Tickets: €65 per 8-week term Presented by NCH

Brendan Grace Celebrates 45 Years of Comedy Wednesday 17 January 8pm Main Stage

The great family comedian of our time proudly celebrates 45 years in the comedy business and most spent at the very top of his profession.

Brendan’s show features the best and most requested pieces from his vast repertoire over his entire career.

Tickets: €35, €30 Concessions available Presented by Pat Egan Sound Ltd

Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan Thursday 18 January 8pm

Niall Kinsella, Raphaela Mangan & Gavan Ring

John F. Larchet Remembered: The Compete Songs Friday 19 January 1:05pm John Field Room

Raphaela Mangan mezzo-soprano Gavan Ring baritone Niall Kinsella piano This recital celebrates the songs of Irish composer John F. Larchet (1884-1967) who was an influential figure in Irish music in the 20th century.

Tickets: €16 Concessions available Presented by Irish Songmakers

Tea Dance Tunes

Main Stage

Friday 19 January 3pm

Tim Henty conductor Soloists include: Stephen Anthony Brown, Gaynor Keeble, John Molloy, Mary Nelson and Richard Suart

John Field Room

For a night of Victorian fun and frivolity, don’t miss The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan with all your favourites from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore and more.

Tickets: €2.50 Kindly supported by Dublin City Council North Central Area and Michael and Loret O’Brien Presented by NCH

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

Tickets: €39.50, €33, €27, €22 (Choir Balcony: €12) Limited concessions available. Package available for all 4 Showtime concerts Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

nch.ie

11

JANUARY 2018

Olari Elts

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Petrushka Rachmaninoff, Brett Dean, Stravinsky Friday 19 January 7:30pm Main Stage

Olari Elts conductor | Brett Dean viola Rachmaninoff The Isle of the Dead Brett Dean Viola Concerto Stravinsky Petrushka (1947) Stravinsky Funeral Song SOUNDINGS 6.30pm Conductor Olari Elts and viola player Brett Dean in conversation with Ciara Higgins, Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited Concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Once Upon a Time Family Concert with Affinití Saturday 20 January 12pm/1:30pm John Field Room

A whistle-stop tour through the best-loved songs from animation and beyond with award-winning trio Affinití (soprano, violin and harp). Lots of participation promised to keep all of our younger audience members involved and entertained.

Family Ticket (family of 4 with max. 2 adults): €37 Adult: €12/Child: €10 | Under 3’s go free!

Presented by NCH

12

Joshua Bell

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Joshua Bell, violin/director Saturday 20 January 8pm Main Stage

Vivaldi The Four Seasons Edgar Meyer Overture for Violin & Orchestra (new commission for Joshua Bell) Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 Regarded as one of the world’s premier chamber orchestras the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is renowned for its fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s most-loved classical music.

Pre-concert Talk at 6:45pm - 7.30pm Free to ticket holders NCH International Concert Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €75, €64.50, €47.50 (Choir Balcony: €37.50) Presented by NCH. Supported by The Irish Times

nch.ie

JANUARY 2018 Bring Along a Baby Monday 22 January 10:30am/12:30pm John Field Room

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

Tickets: Adults €13 - Babies go free!

Presented by NCH in association with Classical Kids

‘The Sleeping Queen’ composed by Michael William Balfe Monday 22 January 7:30pm John Field Room

Students of the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama Vocal Department Accompanied on piano by Úna Hunt Peter McDermott narrator A concert performance of Michael William Balfe’s one Act Opera, “The Sleeping Queen”.

The concert performance commences at 8.15pm, preceded by an introductory talk from 7.30pm - 8pm.

Tickets: €16 | Child: €12 Concessions available Presented by DIT Vocal and Opera Department

NCH Ensembles: Gamelan Ensembles Tuesdays starting 23 January 6pm We encourage those interested aged 16+ to join our beginners’ group, where there is no requirement of previous musical experience.

Tickets: €65 per 8-week term Presented by NCH

nch.ie

Charlie Landsborough

Charlie Landsborough In Concert Tuesday 23 January 8pm Main Stage

Join us for a memorable evening of beautiful ballads, folk, blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, gospel and anthems with the immensely talented Charlie Landsborough.

Tickets: €32.50 Presented by David Hull Promotions

Friends Event Lissadell House and The Model Arts Centre Wednesday 24 January 8:30am Enjoy a tour of Lissadell House, home of Countess Markievicz. After lunch visit the Markievicz exhibition, stopping briefly at W.B. Yeats’ resting place, followed by a private tour of the Model Arts Centre in Sligo town.

Friends: €70 Non Members: €80 Presented by NCH

13

JANUARY 2018

Brooklyn Rider and Martin Hayes

Brooklyn Rider and Martin Hayes Wednesday 24 January 8pm Main Stage

Brooklyn Rider: Johnny Gandelsman violin Colin Jacobsen violin Nicholas Cords viola Michael Nicolas cello Martin Hayes violin Martin Hayes and the ever-omnivorous string quartet Brooklyn Rider join forces for an unforgettable evening of music grounded in the Irish tradition.

Tickets: €36, €32, €27.50 | Book any 2 concerts in the Martin Hayes Residency for €65 Presented by NCH

Xuefei Yang Guitar Series Thursday 25 January 7:30pm Kevin Barry Recital Room

Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein Thursday 25 January 8pm Main Stage

Thomas Blunt conductor Annelene Beechy, Anna-Jane Casey and Michael McCarthy soloists A bell’s not a bell ‘til you ring it - A song’s not a song ‘til you sing it Don’t miss a concert full of songs that continue to thrill audiences today.

Songs from South Pacific, Oklahoma, The King and I, Carousel and of course the marvellous Sound of Music.

Tickets: €39.50, €33, €27, €22 (Choir Balcony: €12) Limited concessions available. Package available for all 4 Showtime concerts Presented by RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Robin Tritschler tenor Xuefei Yang guitar Songs by Dowland, Britten, Walton and Goss.

NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €17.50 | Presented by NCH

14

nch.ie

JANUARY 2018 Pigalle - Life and Music of Edith Piaf

The Johann Strauss Gala

Friday 26 January 1:05pm

Main Stage

John Field Room

John Rigby conductor Corinne Cowling soprano Johann Strauss Dancers in glorious costumes of the period Johann Strauss Orchestra

Derby Browne chanteuse David Wray piano and French Ensemble Chanteuse Derby Browne performs her personal tribute to The Little Sparrow Edith Piaf, with performances of La Vie En Rose, No Regrets, Autumn Leaves and Under The Bridges of Paris.

Tickets: €18 Concessions available Presented by Derby Browne

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Toradze plays Shostakovich Friday 26 January 7:30pm

Saturday 27 January 3pm/8pm

Programme to include: Vienna City of my Dreams, Blue Danube Waltz, Radetzky March, Champagne Polka and many more. The giddy romance and gilded ballrooms of old Vienna are brought to life by the music of the King of the Waltz and friends.

Tickets: €49.50, €46.50, €36.50 (Choir Balcony: €26) Concessions available Presented by Raymond Gubbay Ltd

Main Stage

In Celebration of Victor

Daniele Rustioni conductor Alexander Toradze piano

Sunday 28 January 12pm

Petrassi Ritratto di Don Quixote (Suite) Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, Op. 102 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36

RIAM staff, students, alumni and guests salute the late Victor Malírˇ. His legacy

SOUNDINGS 6.30pm Conductor Daniele Rustioni and pianist Alexander Toradze in conversation with Ellen Cranitch, RTÉ lyric fm.

Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

nch.ie

John Field Room

will be celebrated by a host of horns in a concert which includes the world première of a horn quartet by Sebastian Adams, commissioned by the Malírˇ Family in memory of this extraordinary musician.

Tickets: €12 Concessions available Presented by the Royal Irish Academy of Music

15

JANUARY 2018 Complete Beethoven Cycle RTÉ Contempo Quartet Sunday 28 January 3pm Kevin Barry Recital Room

Beethoven String Quartet No. 5, Op. 18 No. 5 in A Ina Boyle String Quartet in E minor Jane O’Leary the passing sound of forever Beethoven String Quartet No. 11, Op. 95 in F minor Tickets: €15 (Student: €5) Presented by RTÉ Contempo Quartet The Original Elvis TCB Band

Around the World in 80 Minutes Sunday 28 January 6pm Main Stage

A whistle-stop tour of the music from around the world and all in 80 minutes!

Join over 300 musicians from the Academy’s Junior School for what promises to be a lively and fun evening of music-making on stage at the NCH. Tickets: €12.50 Concessions available Presented by Royal Irish Academy of Music

Special Schools Sing-Along Monday 29 January 11am John Field Room

We invite special schools (pupils with moderate, severe and profound general learning disabilities) to join us for this interactive, multi-sensory concert-workshop.

Free but ticketed event, early booking is advisable.

Presented by NCH

The Original Elvis TCB Band Monday 29 January 8pm Main Stage

With Special Guests The Imperials & Dennis Jale The TCB Band with Dennis Jale and The Imperials will perform all of the classic Elvis Presley songs that they recorded and played live with Elvis from his NBC Comeback Special in 1968 right up until his death in 1977.

Tickets: €55, €50, €45 (Choir Balcony: €30) Concessions available Presented by Pat Egan Sound Ltd

Visions of Floyd Tuesday 30 January 8pm Main Stage

This stunning production is back at the NCH. Combining unique original video content and a band comprised of Pink Floyd fans, fronted by the unique vocals of Ray Lanigan, faithfully reproducing the sounds, emotion and atmosphere of Pink Floyd.

Tickets: €32.50, €27.50, €22.50 Presented by Visions of Floyd

16

nch.ie

JANUARY 2018

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Kaspars Putnin‚š, conductor Wednesday 31 January 8pm Main Stage

Programme to include works by Arvo Pärt, Cyrillus Kreek, Veljo Tormis and Conor O’Reilly.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber have been nominated for 14 Grammy awards and their repertoire extends from Gregorian chant and baroque to the music of the 21st century, with a special focus on the music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.

Pre-concert Talk at 6:45pm - 7.30pm Free to ticket holders NCH International Concert Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €55, €47.50, €37.50 (Choir Balcony: €27.50) Supported by The Irish Times | Presented by NCH

nch.ie

17

FEATURE

MAGDALENA KOŽENÁ The Irrepressible Artist

Given the media’s interest in Magdalena Kožená’s personal life in recent years, one might be forgiven for thinking that the mezzo-soprano’s sudden celebrity may have interfered with her music.

“I was 16 when everything suddenly opened up.

Before that…

La Scala and the Met were just fantasy places, far to the left of the map”

18

Those fortunate enough to have witnessed her on stage would assuredly refute that.

Born in Brno in 1970s Czechoslovakia, Kožená’s musical dedication has been such a constant in her life that she attributes the early nurturing of her own talent to the demanding communist education system.

It’s a telling reminder that this was not a privileged and pampered musician destined for the stage from birth. In fact, Kožená’s awakening to the potential of a musical career came with the falling of the iron curtain – and not a minute sooner. “I was 16 when everything suddenly opened up. Before that… La Scala and the Met were just fantasy places, far to the left of the map.”

Even though as a child she wanted to be a pianist, it didn’t take long for Kožená to embrace what has become an extraordinary career as one of the world’s most sought after mezzo-sopranos.

By her mid-twenties she was already an established star, exuding a brilliance that is yet to wane.

nch.ie

FEATURE Despite her success, she carries a great discipline which comes not simply through her diligence, but also because of the respect and passion that she harbours for the composers and their works. She explains: “There are plenty of singers out there who insist: ‘I’m famous, and this is my way’. They decide to hold a particular note for a long time, because they consider it to be very beautiful, even if it’s not written in the score.”

What better a messenger then, to bring to us the soaring sounds of the often neglected Rameau, the French genius whom The Telegraph dubbed; ‘the greatest composer you’ve never heard of.’ Rameau’s works take up most of the Baroque Heroines programme for the National Concert Hall, with Castor et Pollux (1737), Dardanus (1739), Hippolyte et Aricie (1733) and Les Indes Galantes (1735) featuring alongside extracts from Charpentier’s Médée (1693).

Kožená has made her name in a multitude of roles, starring early on in the operas of Mozart. Later she would sing Zerlina for the Met’s tour to Japan in 2006, then taking the title-role in Jonathan Miller’s production of Pelléas et Mélisande in 2010/11. Credits also include Angelina in Rossini’s La Cenerentola; Oktavian in Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier; Lazuli in Chabrier’s L’étoile and the title-role in Bizet’s Carmen and in Charpentier’s Médée.

For somebody who has risen to the considerable challenge of thriving in such roles, French music is special to Kožená in a way that others are perhaps not: “I like very much to sing in French. I found it very difficult at the beginning and it took me many years to feel somehow comfortable in it, but French music is like a painting and the imagination of the language fits my voice.” The resolving of differences between Kožená and the French language is a fitting parallel to her comfort

nch.ie

with the work of Rameau. As people, they could scarcely be more different.

While a young Kožená could only dream of the glamourous lifestyle that surrounds her today, Rameau was no stranger to it.

He was a product of the aristocratic luxury of mid-18th century France; about as far a cry from communist Czechoslovakia as is possible, and it is certainly evident in his fantastical imagination.

It wasn’t until he was almost 50 years of age that Rameau would write his first opera (Hippolyte et Aricie) followed by numerous operas and ballets. Populated with Gods, the underworld, forbidden love and tragic death, there is a pervading mystery and tenderness throughout.

There lies in the work of Rameau, and indeed Charpentier (who also waited until his 50th year to reach the opera stage), a quality that cannot be attained by working hastily. It carries within it the lived experience and the tribulations of its creator.

In order for justice to be done to the characters, a weight of expectation lies on the shoulders of Magdalena Kožená.

Naturally, she couldn’t be a more perfect fit: “The more experience not only as an artist but as a human being (we have), the better it is for the art, because you have to say… the richer you become inside, the better.”

In a time of sensational headlines and prevailing superficiality, it’s reassuring to know that all eyes will be on something truly beautiful come Thursday 8th February at the National Concert Hall.

By Michael Quinn

Magdalena Kožená performs Baroque Heroines, Thursday 8 February 2018 with Le Concert d’Astrée and conductor Emmanuelle Haïm as part of the NCH International Concert Series 17/18.

19

FEBRUARY Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents Bernstein on Broadway

Pipeworks Organ Recital

Thursday 1 February 8pm

Carole O’Connor organ

Main Stage

Roderick Dunk conductor Mary Carewe, Katie Birtill and Graham Bickley soloists

Friday 2 February 6pm Main Stage

Franz Liszt Évocation à la Chapelle Sixtine, S658 Jean Langlais Hommage à Rameau, Op. 134

Join the RTÉ Concert Orchestra as it celebrates the illustrious legacy of this extraordinary composer when it presents classics from West Side Story, Candide, On the Town, Fancy Free, Wonderful Town and more.

Tickets: Free ticketed event Presented by Pipeworks, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and NCH

Tickets: €39.50, €33, €27, €22 (Choir Balcony: €12) Limited concessions available. Package available for all 4 Showtime concerts Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Friday 2 February 7:30pm

Songs you should hear (Or should hear again) Friday 2 February 1:05pm John Field Room

Kathy Nugent vocals Seamus Brett piano Kathy and Shea are back to sing and play the great songs of Barbara Streisand such as Don’t Rain On My Parade, Evergreen, The Way We Were and many more.

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Anna Devin sings Mozart Main Stage

Harry Bicket conductor Anna Devin soprano Rameau Platée: Suite des Danses Mozart Voi avete un cor fedele KV217 Mozart Oh temerario Arbace! - Per quel paterno amplesso KV79 Mozart Ah se in ciel, benigne stelle Mozart Serenata Notturna in D major, K239 Rameau Suite from Les Boréades Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Tickets: €16 Concessions available Presented by Paul Black

20

nch.ie

FEBRUARY 2018

Fidelio Trio

Fidelio Trio Weekends

Fidelio Trio Weekends

Saturday 3 February 11am

Sunday 4 February 3pm

Kevin Barry Recital Room

Kevin Barry Recital Room

Darragh Morgan violin Mary Dullea piano Adi Tal cello

Schubert Piano Trio No. 1 in B flat major, D898 Chausson Piano Trio in G minor Op. 3

Beethoven Piano Trio in E flat major, Op. 1 No. 1 Smetana Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15

NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €15 Presented by NCH

NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €15 Presented by NCH

Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Fidelio Trio Masterclass Saturday 3 February 3pm

Tuesday 6 February 8pm Wednesday 7 February 8pm

Kevin Barry Recital Room

Main Stage

Chamber music masterclass for advanced students aged 15 and up.

Applications are invited from string and piano trios, string quartets and piano quintets.

Stephen Hill conductor Jacinta Whyte, Deborah Myers, vocalists

To be considered to participate in this masterclass, please submit your musical CV, along with suggested repertoire to education@ nch.ie no later than 18 January 2018.

Participant Tickets: €20 per participant, as part of an ensemble.

Observer Tickets: €5

nch.ie

For two nights the RTÉ Concert Orchestra present songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love and more.

Tickets: €39.50, €33, €27, €22 (Choir Balcony: €12) Limited concessions available. Package available for all 4 Showtime concerts Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in association with the Really Useful Group

21

FEBRUARY 2018 Friends Tosca at Dundrum with Lunch at Roly Saul Wednesday 7 February 5:15pm Dundrum Town Centre

This live broadcast, presented by the Royal Opera promises an evening of drama and glorious music in Giacomo Puccini’s spellbinding work, Tosca. The performance is preceded by an early three-course dinner in Roly Sauls in Dundrum Town Centre.

Friends: €50 Non Members: €60 Presented by NCH

Gwendolyn Masin & Finghin Collins Series Wednesday 7 February 7:30pm Kevin Barry Recital Room

Ana Chumachenco violin Gwendolyn Masin violin Cian Ó Dúill viola Macdara Ó Seireadáin clarinet Finghin Collins piano Mozart Sonata in G major K 379 for piano and violin Poulenc Sonata for clarinet and piano in B flat Shostakovich Duos for two violins and piano Jorg Widmann Fantasie for clarinet Dvorˇák Terzetto for two violins, viola and piano Khachaturian Trio for clarinet, violin and piano NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €25 Presented by NCH

22

Gwendolyn Masin

Ana Chumachenco, violin Masterclass Thursday 8 February 10am Kevin Barry Recital Room

Renowned performer and teacher Ana Chumachenco presents this masterclass for advanced students of violin.

Applications are invited in the form of a musical CV and suggested repertoire, to be submitted by email to education@nch.ie no later than 13 December 2017.

Participant Tickets: €40 Observer Tickets: €5 Presented by NCH

nch.ie

FEBRUARY 2018

Magdalena Kožená

Baroque Heroines Magdalena Kožená, mezzo-soprano Le Concert d’Astrée Emmanuelle Haïm, conductor Thursday 8 February 8pm Main Stage

French Baroque programme featuring extracts from Tragédies Lyriques Charpentier Extracts from Médée (1693) Rameau Castor et Pollux (1737), Dardanus (1739), Hippolyte et Aricie (1733), Les Indes Galantes (1735) Pre-concert Talk at 6:45pm Free to ticket holders

Golden Voices of Hollywood Friday 9 February 1:05pm John Field Room

Sandra Oman soprano Simon Morgan baritone Ruth McGill actress Niall Kinsella piano Celebrating four unforgettable performers of the 21st Century Gordon MacRae, Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson and Shirley Jones, this concert features cinematic songs, arias and duets, associated with these performers.

Tickets: €18 Concessions available Presented by Sheldon Nulty Music

NCH International Concert Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €69.50, €59.50, €39.50 (Choir Balcony: €29.50) Presented by NCH | Supported by The Irish Times

nch.ie

23

FEBRUARY 2018

Duncan Ward

Family Workshop Day

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Prokofiev Five

23rd Festival of Youth Orchestras

Friday 9 February 7:30pm

Main Stage

Main Stage

3pm Performance St Peter’s NS String Orchestra & Royal Irish Academy of Music Junior Strings, Dublin Drogheda Young Orchestral Players Mayo Youth Orchestra Cork ETB Youth Orchestra

Duncan Ward conductor Alexander Bernstein piano Fiachra Garvey piano Debussy Jeux; poème dansé Poulenc Concerto for 2 Pianos, D minor Prokofiev Symphony No. 5, Op. 100 in B flat major Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Family Workshop Day Sat. 10 February workshops from 10am We welcome any combination of families and friends to take part in our fascinating interactive music workshops: Baby Bop (3 -12 months), Toddler Twist (1–2 years), Tin Whistle Workshop (ages 6+), Bodhrán Workshop (ages 6+). All workshops are 50 minutes in duration.

Saturday 10 February 3pm/8pm

8pm Performance Musica Fusion Orchestra, Charleville, Cork Young European Strings Chamber Orchestra, Dublin Laois School of Music Orchestra Donegal Youth Orchestra Tickets: €15 | Children: €7.50 | Family Ticket: €40 Concessions available Presented by the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras

Tickets: Adults: €8 /Child: €7 Presented by NCH

24

nch.ie

FEBRUARY 2018 Complete Beethoven Cycle RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Valentine’s Night with Declan O’Rourke

Sunday 11 February 3pm

Wednesday 14 February 8pm

Kevin Barry Recital Room

Main Stage

Beethoven String Quartet No. 6, Op. 18 in B-flat Ian Wilson Her Charms Invited Beethoven String Quartet No. 13, Op. 130 in B-flat

RTÉ Concert Orchestra David Brophy conductor

NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €15 (Student €5) Presented by RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Dublin International Piano Competition Nikolay Khozyainov Tuesday 13 February 8pm Main Stage

Programme to include works by Chopin, Beethoven, Getty and Schumann The Dublin International Piano Competition is delighted to welcome back its 2012 winner Nikolay Khozyainov.

A prolific winner of major competitions around the world, Nikolay Khozyainov demonstrates staggering technique and confidence.

Tickets €20, €15, €12 Presented by Dublin International Piano Competition

Mozart Quintets Emily Anderson Celebration Wednesday 14 February 7:30pm Kevin Barry Recital Room

Clara Siegle piano | Musici Ireland Mozart Piano Sonata K 311 Mozart String Quartet K 515 Mozart String Quartet K 516 NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €17.50 | Presented by NCH in association with Music for Galway

nch.ie

Following his sold out Valentine’s Day concert in 2017, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra invites you to savour the work of one of Ireland’s most masterful singer songwriters on the most romantic night of the year.

Tickets: €45, €35, €25 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra Valentines night 3 courses plus glass of prosecco €40 in the Terrace Restaurant

Junior Songschool Thursday 15 February 10:30am-2:30pm The Studio

For students aged 8 -12 years old who are interested in writing and recording songs, performing them in concert, learning about music technology, and meeting people who love music as much as they do!

Tickets: €20 | 20% discount for Young Maestros Presented by NCH

Legends Of Swing The Best Swing Show In Town!

Thursday 15 February 8pm Main Stage

Connor McKeon & Band Performing the big, bold and beautiful songs from the greatest legends of swing including Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and The Great American Song Book. Back by popular demand after 6 sell-out concerts, don’t miss out!

Tickets: €35, €25 (Choir Balcony: €15) Concessions available Presented by Connor Mc Keon

25

FEBRUARY 2018

Alisa Weilerstein

4 In A Bar: ‘Songs Of Love’ Friday 16 February 1:05pm John Field Room

For Valentine’s Day, a cappella group 4 in a Bar celebrates every type of love; romance, friendship, family, universal peace, charity and more. Music from Renaissance times, the early 1900s, Sinatra, The Beatles, Irish tunes – come and share the love!

Tickets: €17 | Concessions available Presented by 4 in a Bar

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra 70th Anniversary Celebration Friday 16 February 7:30pm Main Stage

Gerhard Markson conductor (replacing Tomáš Netopil) Orla Boylan soprano Finghin Collins piano Wagner Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde, WWV90 Deirdre Gribbin The Binding Years of Piano (Piano Concerto) Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet (selection of movements)

Czech Philharmonic Alisa Weilerstein, cello Tomáš Netopil, conductor Saturday 17 February 8pm Main Stage

Dvorˇák Two Slavonic Dances Dvorˇák Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 Dvorˇák Symphony No. 9 in E minor ‘From the New World’ The NCH hosts three concerts by the Czech Philharmonic, with a programme built around the country’s two great national composers, Dvorˇák (who conducted the orchestra’s inaugural performance in 1896) and Smetana.

The weekend will also see a special family concert based around Dvorˇák’s fairy-tale The Golden Spinning Wheel.

Pre-concert Talk at 6:45pm-7.30pm Free to ticket holders NCH International Concert Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €80, €67.50, €52.50, €40 Presented by NCH Supported by The Irish Times

Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

26

nch.ie

FEBRUARY 2018 Czech Philharmonic Family Concert Jonathan James, presenter & conductor Sunday 18 February 3pm Main Stage

This family concert will take you on a journey through Dvorˇák’s vivid musical telling of the macabre but romantic Czech folk tale, complete with a king, a beautiful girl, her wicked step-sister, a magician and his magical golden spinning wheel!

Thomas Moore - Reawakened Wednesday 21 February 8pm Main Stage

Irish Baritone Simon Morgan leads a cast of stellar musicians in a concert celebrating, reawakening, and reimagining the music and poetry of our National Bard, Thomas Moore.

Musicians include Karl Nesbitt, Drazen Derek, The Key Notes, Lisa Lambe, plus very special guests to be announced.

Tickets: €32, €26.50, €20.50, €15 Concessions available Presented by Simon Morgan

NCH International Concert Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €15/Child: €10 | Family Ticket (family of 4 with max. 2 adults): €45 Presented by NCH | Supported by The Irish Times

Emma Johnson

Czech Philharmonic

Czech Philharmonic, Ma Vlast Tomáš Netopil, conductor Sunday 18 February 8pm Main Stage

Smetana Má Vlast 1. Vyšehrad (The High Castle) 2. Vltava (Die Moldau) 3. Šarka 4. From Bohemia’s meadows and forests 5. Tábor 6. Blaní NCH International Concert Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €45, €34.50, €25 (Choir Balcony: €19.50) Presented by NCH | Supported by The Irish Times

nch.ie

RTÉ Concert Orchestra Signature Series present Emma Johnson Thursday 22 February 8pm Main Stage

Emma Johnson clarinet Quentin Hindley conductor The RTÉ Concert Orchestra is delighted to bring world class clarinetist Emma Johnson to the NCH for a very special concert featuring the Clarinet Concerto written especially for her by composer John Dankworth.

Tickets: €39.50, €33, €27, €22 (Choir Balcony: €12) Limited concessions available Presented by RTÉ Concert Orchestra

27

FEBRUARY 2018 Time To Blossom Friday 23 February 1:05pm John Field Room

Celebrating James Last Saturday 24 February 8pm Main Stage

Time to Blossom is a reflection on the great repertoire of jazz cabaret artist Blossom Dearie, richly unique and endearing. Songs include I’m Hip, Rhode Island Is Famous For You, Peel Me A Grape, and Surry With A Fringe On Top.

Phil Coulter conducts his 35 Piece Big Band with guest vocalists and bandleader Eugene McCarthy. With 65 UK chart albums and over 200 million records sold James Last was the most commercially successful band leader of the 20th century. Relive the magic of James Last and the greatest hits of the 70’s and 80’s.

Tickets: €17 Concessions available Presented by Susannah de Wrixon

Tickets: €55, €45 (Choir balcony: €25) Concessions available Presented by Pat Egan Sound Ltd

Susannah de Wrixon with Phil Ware, Dave Fleming and Dominic Mullan

Pipeworks Organ Recital Friday 23 February 6pm Main Stage

Fergal Caulfield organ Edward Elgar Vesper Voluntaries, Op. 14 (1890) Edward Elgar Organ Sonata No. 2, Op. 87a (1933 - arranged from the Severn Suite by Ivor Atkins) Tickets: Free ticketed recital Presented by Pipeworks, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and NCH

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Nathalie Stutzmann Conducts Friday 23 February 7:30pm Main Stage

Michael McHale

The Vanbrugh & Michael McHale Piano Quartets

Nathalie Stutzmann conductor Alban Gerhardt cello

Sunday 25 February 3pm

Lalo Le roi d’Ys Overture Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor K. 478 Stanford Piano Quartet in F Op. 15

Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

28

Kevin Barry Recital Room

NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €15 Presented by NCH

nch.ie

FEBRUARY 2018

Nils Frahm

The Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards Sunday 25 February 7pm

Friends Event Ulster Orchestra at the Ulster Hall & Belfast City Hall

Main Stage

Tuesday 27 February 11am

The Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards is a night of celebration of Irish theatre, bringing together some of the most accomplished actors, writers, directors and technical experts in Ireland today.

Come along, raise the roof and cheer on your favourite productions and shows.

Join the Friends of the NCH as they travel to Belfast to attend the Ulster Orchestra lunchtime concert. Lunch follows a private tour of Belfast City Hall.

Friends: €70 | Non- Friends: €80 Presented by NCH

Tickets: €20 Presented by The Irish Times

On a High Note - Music Workshops for Primary Schools

Perspectives: Nils Frahm

Wednesday 28 February 9.30am, 11am & 12.30pm

Monday 26 February 8pm Main Stage

Nils Frahm returns to the NCH for his first live performances since 2015, as he embarks on a worldwide tour entitled All Melody.

Tickets: €30 Returns Only Presented by NCH. Supported by The Irish Times

nch.ie

Room 103

Designed to support and compliment the primary school music curriculum, these fun and interactive music workshops provide an introduction to the world of rhythm, melody, singing, rap writing, and percussion.

Tickets: €8 per student, complimentary tickets for teachers.

Presented by NCH

29

FEATURE

NEW MUSIC DUBLIN John Harris

Daring and imaginative, the peerless New Music Dublin Festival has been taking the challenge to audiences since 2013, offering experiences that exhilarate and surprise in equal measure.

Over the years, works from giants such as David Lang, Julia Wolfe, John Luther Adams, Steve Reich, The National’s Bryce Dessner, Donnacha Dennehy, Meredith Monk, Brian Eno, Linda and Irene Buckley, Thomas Adès and Gerald Barry have featured among others.

This year, John Harris - the chief executive and artistic co-director of the Red Note Ensemble in Scotland - is tasked with the substantial programming role of keeping an expectant audience beguiled, whether on the edge of their seats or the tips of their toes.

Here he gives us a sneak peek at what audiences can expect in the New Music Dublin festival this March.

30

nch.ie

FEATURE What has been your inspiration in programming New Music Dublin?

What can audiences look forward to as part of the festival?

I’m fascinated by the idea that - rather than being this exclusive, inaccessible thing as it is usually portrayed - new music is now attracting hugely talented, interested musicians from all sorts of music genres into its wide-horizoned field.

Being utterly exhausted and elated at the end of four days! I’m programming the festival so that, if audience members want to, they’ll be able to go to pretty much everything from 6:08pm (sundown) on Thursday 1st March to midnight on Sunday 4th March. For those who do that, they will just have experienced the most extraordinary smorgasbord of vibrant, diverse, uplifting and engaging performances from right across the spectrum of new musical creation.

New music has incredible resources highly-skilled performers, new harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, instrumental and timbral ideas, - and it’s hardly surprising that musicians who are wishing to escape the boundaries of their ‘home turf” - folk, jazz, alt-rock, electronica - seem to want an “in” to what I’ll call the New Musical Playground.

What is special about Dublin and its audiences that it lends itself so well to such a ground-breaking initiative as this?

The new, extraordinary and artistically brave are so celebrated here in Dublin right across the arts that New Music Dublin seems just to... fit in. There’s an acceptance and expectation among Dubliners that art and artistic endeavour should be both rooted and restless; knowing where they come from - but always having itchy feet and wanting to go walkabout.

We’re part of an incredibly rich, ongoing tapestry of artistic work right across the city that just never seems to stop. What’s great about New Music Dublin is that it’s a chance to bring these endeavours together in one place and present them side-by-side. This means generating a collective excitement around the festival and allowing audiences, performers and composers to make personal journeys and connections that it’s so much harder to do in the normal run of things.

Can you let us in on any surprises that concert-goers might expect in New Music Dublin 2018?

Haha! If I told you, they wouldn’t be surprises anymore! But there will be things in (very) unusual spaces; treasures that you’ll need to go on the hunt for; wonders that will perplex and spectacles that will delight.

What type of audience reaction are you anticipating to the festival?

My hope for every audience member is that the festival will give them permission and encouragement to listen to things they would never have even considered previously; to think, debate, argue and evaluate the merits or otherwise of what they’ve just heard over a drink at the pop-up festival bar with both friends and random strangers - and that, just occasionally, something will be so profoundly, transcendentally wonderful that it will leave them speechless.

What would like to convey to people about contemporary music?

Whatever you might think it is, that’s also what it absolutely, categorically isn’t.

The New Music Dublin festival takes place from March 1st – 4th presented by New Music Dublin, NCH, RTÉ and the Arts Council.

nch.ie

31

MONTH

01 – 04 March 2017 A festival for curious ears and adventurous souls... Classical to electronica, alt-rock to sound art, family-friendly events to late night shows.

32

at the National Concert Hall and beyond

nch.ie

MONTH

first shows now on sale featuring Grainne Mulvey

Crash Ensemble

This Is Not This Heat

Deirdre Gribbin

Unsuk Chin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Chamber Choir Ireland

Kevin Volans

David Fennessy

RTÉ Philharmonic Choir

Irish Chamber Orchestra

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

James MacMillan

full programme on sale in january Join our mailing list at www.newmusicdublin.ie to be the first in the know

nch.ie

33

MARCH

The Gloaming

The Gloaming Monday 5 - Thursday 8 March 8pm Saturday 10 - Monday 12 March 8pm Main Stage

Following their hugely successful and sold-out 2017 residency, The Gloaming returns for a 7-night run at their spiritual home, the NCH. These will be The Gloaming’s only shows worldwide in 2018.

Tickets: €55, €50, €45 (Choir Balcony: €40) Presented by Aiken Promotions

Friends Event: Dublin City Gallery Hugh Lane tour and exhibition followed by lunch at Chapter One Tuesday 6 March 10am Join us for a private tour of the Dublin City Gallery Hugh Lane and exhibition which includes Francis Bacon’s studio.

After the tour, retire to award winning and Michelin star restaurant Chapter One for a three course meal.

Friends: €55 Non Members: €70 Presented by NCH

34

nch.ie

MARCH 2018 RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Sibelius Five Friday 9 March 7:30pm Main Stage

Jaime Martin conductor Javier Perianes piano Nielsen 7 Pieces from Aladdin, Op. 34 Ravel Piano Concerto in G major Sibelius Symphony No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 82 Håvard Gimse

Gwendolyn Masin & Finghin Collins Series Thursday 8 March 7:30pm Kevin Barry Recital Room

Gwendolyn Masin violin Håvard Gimse piano Debussy Beau Soir Nadia Boulanger Nocturne Fauré Piano Sonata in A, No. 1, Op. 13 Fauré Après un rêve Ravel Tzigane Grieg Four Pieces for Piano Prokofiev Sonata for violin and piano, Op. 80 NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €25 | Presented by NCH

Anthony Byrne and Aaron Shorr Piano Four Hands Friday 9 March 1:05pm John Field Room

Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

The Vanbrugh & Michael McHale Piano Quartets Sunday 11 March 3pm Kevin Barry Recital Room

Keith Pascoe violin | Simon Aspell viola Christopher Marwood cello Michael McHale piano Schumann Piano Quartet in E flat Op. 47 Dvorˇák Piano Quartet in D major Op. 23 NCH Chamber Music Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €15 | Presented by NCH

Anton & Erin Broadway to Hollywood Sunday 11 March 3pm Main Stage

Anton du Beke & Erin Boag Richard Balcombe conductor Lance Ellington star vocalist

Anthony Byrne is joined by the brilliant New York pianist Aaron Shorr for a recital of virtuoso piano duets including Fauré’s beautiful Dolly Suite and Gershwin’s fabulous Cuban Overture.

Six world class Ensemble Dancers and the Manchester Concert Orchestra Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple when they return with an exciting new show for 2018 as they celebrate the golden age of Hollywood.

Tickets: €15 Concessions available Presented by Anthony Byrne

Tickets: €55, €49.50, €44.50 (Choir Balcony: €34.50) Presented by Raymond Gubbay Ltd

nch.ie

35

MARCH 2018

Philippe Cassard

Philippe Cassard, piano Thursday 15 March 8pm

Dublin’s Theatre Royal, Remembered

Main Stage

Friday 16 March 1:05pm

Programme: ‘Debussy, inspirations and influences’

John Field Room

A passionate and persuasive advocate of the music of his compatriot Claude Debussy, Philippe’s programme celebrates the centenary of the composer’s birth and includes works

by Grieg, Chopin, Liszt, Stravinsky and more.

Pre-concert Talk at 6:45pm - 7.30pm Free to ticket holders NCH International Concert Series ‘17/‘18 Tickets: €55, €47.50, €37.50 (Choir Balcony: €27.50) Presented by NCH Supported by The Irish Times

36

Conor Doyle narrator Gerry Noonan baritone Kathleen Noonan soprano Pauline Cooper piano Take a trip down memory lane to remember Dublin’s iconic Theatre Royal.

Using previously unseen photographs and archival footage, enjoy songs and stories about “The Royal”.

Tickets: €17 Concessions available Presented by Conor Doyle

nch.ie

MARCH 2018

Seamus Heaney

Kilfenora Céilí Band

Lá Fhéile Pádraig: The World Premiere of Sweeney

Kilfenora Céilí Band and Guests

Saturday 17 March 8pm

Main Stage

Main Stage

Regarded by aficionados as the quintessential Irish céilí band, The Kilfenora Céilí band return with singer Edel Vaughan and dancers Laura Minogue, Deirdra Kiely and world champions Michael and Matthew Gardiner, to perform an uplifting, energetic and entertaining show making this a must attend event this St. Patrick’s weekend.

David Brophy conductor With Iarla Ó Lionáird and Stephen Rea The RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents Sweeney, a new song cycle based on Seamus Heaney’s Sweeney Astray, composed by Neil Martin, with singer Iarla O Lionáird and narrator Stephen Rea. Tickets: €45, €35, €25 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by RTÉ Concert Orchestra

nch.ie

Sunday 18 March 8pm

Tickets: €37.50, €32, €28.50 (Choir Balcony: €22) Presented by NCH

37

MARCH 2018

RTÉ Cór na nÓg

Special Schools Sing-Along Tuesday 20 March 11am

The John Lynch Chamber Music Project

John Field Room

Thursday 22 March 7:30pm

We invite special schools (pupils with moderate, severe and profound general learning disabilities) to join us for this interactive, multi-sensory concert-workshop.

Kevin Barry Recital Room

Tickets: Free but ticketed event, early booking is advisable.

Presented by NCH

Shostakovich Piano Quintet Op. 57 Philip Glass String Quartet No. 5

Hugh Tinney piano | Helena Wood violin Brona Cahill violin Lisanne Melchoir viola Úna Ní Chanainn cello

Tickets: €17.50 | Presented by NCH

The Hibernian Orchestra Spring Concert Tuesday 20 March 8pm Main Stage

This concert will feature a performance by the winner of the 2017 Hibernian Orchestra Concerto Competition. Now in its 6th year, this competition has launched the solo careers of many young stars including Killian White (cello) and Patrick Rafter (violin).

Tickets: €20 Concessions available Sponsored by Dublin City Council Presented by The Hibernian Orchestra

RTÉ Concert Orchestra Young Voices of Ireland Thursday 22 March 7pm Main Stage

Gavin Maloney conductor RTÉ Cór na nÓg Opera Collective Ireland If you want to see Ireland’s choral and operatic future do not miss “Young Voices of Ireland” featuring the RTÉ Cór na nÓg and young opera performers from Opera Collective Ireland accompanied by the full RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Programme will include Karl Jenkins’ stunning Adiemus and Make Our Garden Grow from Candide.

Tickets: €10 | Child ticket: €5 Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

38

nch.ie

MARCH 2018 Songs of a Gypsy Life Friday 23 March 1:05pm John Field Room

Be transported to the Hungary, Bohemia, Spain, Vienna and Paris of another era with this programme of beautiful, spirited songs and chamber music by Haydn, Brahms, Dvorˇák.

Irish musicians Owen Gilhooly, Niall Kinsella, Lynda O’Connor and Gerald Peregrine perform.

Tickets: €16 | Concessions available Presented by Irish Songmakers

Tea Dance Tunes Friday 23 March 3pm John Field Room

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

Tickets: €2.50 Kindly supported by Dublin City Council North Central Area and Michael and Loret O’Brien Presented by NCH

Pipeworks Organ Recital Friday 23 March 6pm Main Stage

David Leigh organ Samuel Barber Wondrous Love (Variations on a shape note hymn), Op. 34 Jean Langlais Symphony No. 1 Tickets: Free ticketed event Presented by Pipeworks, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and NCH

Alina Pogostkina

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Alina Pogostkina plays Khachaturian Friday 23 March 7:30pm Main Stage

Clemens Schuldt conductor Alina Pogostkina violin Copland Appalachian Spring Suite Khachaturian Violin Concerto in D minor Shostakovich Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 10 Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

nch.ie

39

MARCH 2018

RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Complete Beethoven Cycle RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Easter: Sounds of Spring with The Mobile Music Machine

Sunday 25 March 3pm

Tuesday 27 March 11am/1pm

Kevin Barry Recital Room

The Studio

Beethoven String Quartet No. 12, Op. 127 in E-flat Deirdre Gribbin Calum’s Light Beethoven String Quartet No. 16, Op. 135 in F

In this interactive string quartet concert for all the family we feature works inspired by spring! Hear extracts from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi, Piazzolla, Mozart’s “spring” quartet and other well-known works.

Tickets: €15 (Student: €5) Presented by RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Easter: Bring Along a Baby

Tickets: €12 | Child: €10 Family ticket (family of 4 with max. 2 adults): €37 Under 3’s go free!

Presented by NCH

Monday 26 March 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.

Tickets: €13 - Babies go free!

Presented by NCH in association with Classical Kids

Artane School of Music 20th Annual Showcase Tuesday 27 March 8pm Main Stage

Featuring the ensembles and choirs of the Artane School of Music in an evening of great music from all genres, this concert has something for everyone and will include the famous Artane Band and guests.

Tickets: €17 | Family Ticket (Two Adults and Two Children): €45 Concessions available Presented by the Artane School of Music

40

nch.ie

MARCH 2018

Nicholas Kraemer

Friends Event Teeling Whiskey Distillery

RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Wednesday 28 March 3pm

Main Stage

Take a tour of the Teeling Distillery, learn the history of the building and how the whiskey is made. You will have the opportunity to sample some of the spirits made there as part of the excursion.

Friends: €17.50 Non Members: €25 Presented by NCH

RTÉ Concert Orchestra Essential Classics: Nordic Nights Wednesday 28 March 8pm Main Stage

Robert Houlihan conductor Grieg Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Grieg Concerto for Piano in A Min Nielsen Maskarade Overture Sibelius Karelia Suite Alfven Swedish Rhapsody No. 1 Sibelius Finlandia Tickets: €39.50, €33, €27, €22 (Choir Balcony: €12) Limited concessions available Presented by RTÉ Concert Orchestra

nch.ie

Friday 30 March 1:30pm Beethoven String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 Tickets: €12 or free if attending the 3.30pm RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra performance Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra St. John Passion Friday 30 March 3:30pm Main Stage

Nicholas Kraemer conductor RTÉ Philharmonic Choir chorus master: Mark Hindley Nicholas Mulroy Evangelist Patrick Murray Christus Lina Johnson soprano John Lattimore countertenor Benjamin Bevan bass Bach St John Passion, BWV 245 Tickets: €40, €34.50, €28.50 Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

41

COMING SOON RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Friday 13 April 7:30pm Main Stage

Ben Gernon conductor Carolin Widmann violin Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available.

Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

An Evening with Mike Denver and his Special Guests Ray Lynam & Philomena Begley Tuesday 17 April 8pm Madama Butterfly

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly Saturday 7 April 7:30pm

Main Stage Tickets: €35, €30, €25 (Choir Balcony: €20) Concessions available Presented by Pat Egan Sound Ltd

Main Stage Tickets: €40, €34, €25 Concessions available Presented by Opera and Ballet International

La Traviata Sunday 8 April 7:30pm Main Stage Tickets: €40, €34, €25 Concessions available Presented by Opera and Ballet International

Sir Simon Rattle

G4 - Live 2018

London Symphony Orchestra Sir Simon Rattle, conductor

Monday 9 April 8pm

Wednesday 18 April 8pm

Main Stage

Main Stage

Tickets: €32.50, €28.50, €26.50 Concessions available Presented by Amick Productions

Tickets: €110, €94.50, €74.50 ( Choir Balcony: €50) Presented by NCH Supported by The Irish Times

42

nch.ie

COMING SOON Gwendolyn Masin & Finghin Collins Series Thursday 19 April 7:30pm Kevin Barry Recital Room Tickets: €25 | Presented by NCH

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Nathalie Stutzmann Conducts Friday 20 April 7:30pm Main Stage Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available. Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Javier Camarena

Prima Donna

Javier Camarena, tenor & Rebeca Olvera, soprano

Saturday 21 April 8pm

Saturday 28 April 8pm

Main Stage

Main Stage

Tickets: €40, €35, €30 (Choir Balcony: €25) Concessions available Sponsored by Allianz Presented by Pat Egan Sound Ltd

Italian bel canto arias with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Robert Houlihan, conductor

Complete Beethoven Cycle RTÉ Contempo Quartet Sunday 22 April 3pm Kevin Barry Recital Room Tickets: €15 (Students: €5) Presented by RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Xuefei Yang Guitar Series Thursday 26 April 7:30pm Kevin Barry Recital Room

Tickets: €75, €64.50, €47.50 (Choir Balcony: €34.50) Presented by NCH Supported by The Irish Times

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Stravinsky, Gerald Barry, Lutosławski Friday 4 May 7:30pm Main Stage Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50, (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Tickets: €17.50 | Presented by NCH

Perspectives: Brad Mehldau Trio

Storm Large sings The Seven Deadly Sins

Tuesday 8 May 8pm

Friday 27 April 7:30pm Main Stage

Main Stage Tickets: €40, €34.50, €27.50 Presented by NCH Supported by The Irish Times

Tickets: € 35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

nch.ie

43

COMING SOON Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Martin Hayes Duos

Wednesday 9 May & Tuesday 15 May 7:30pm

Main Stage

Main Stage Tickets: €15 Concessions available Presented by Snowline Media

Saturday 12 May 8pm Martin Hayes NCH Residency 2017/18 Tickets: €36, €32, €27.50 Presented by NCH

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Friday 18 May 7:30pm Main Stage

John Storgårds conductor Nathalia Milstein piano Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50, €15 (Choir Balcony) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Complete Beethoven Cycle RTÉ Contempo Quartet Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Kirill Karabits, conductor Simon Trpc ˇeski, piano Thursday 10 May 8pm Main Stage

125th Anniversary Tour Tickets: €59.50, €49.50, €34.50 (Choir Balcony: €27.50) Presented by NCH Supported by The Irish Times

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Friday 11 May 7:30pm Main Stage

Christian Vásquez conductor Narek Hakhnazaryan cello

Sunday 20 May 3pm Kevin Barry Recital Room Tickets: €15 (Students: €5) Presented by RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Vox Luminis Lionel Meunier, director Wednesday 23 May 8pm Main Stage Tickets: €37.50, €29.50, €24.50 (Choir Balcony: €17) Presented by NCH Supported by The Irish Times

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Nathalie Stutzmann Conducts Friday 25 May 7:30pm Main Stage Tickets: €38, €32.50, €25.50 Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Tickets: €35, €29.50, €23.50 (Choir Balcony: €15) Limited concessions available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

44

nch.ie

COMING SOON

Würth Philharmonic

Debussy 2018: Ireland’s Tombeau to Debussy Thursday 31 May 7:30pm Kevin Barry Recital Room Tickets: €20 €55 for package of all three concerts Presented by NCH Supported by The Arts Council

Maxim Vengerov, violin/ conductor Würth Philharmonic & Stamatia Karampini, conductor Tuesday 12 June 8pm Main Stage Tickets: €69.50, €60, €49.50 (Choir Balcony: €34.50) Presented by NCH Supported by The Irish Times

For The Record: Microdisney perform The Clock Comes Down The Stairs

Debussy 2018: Ireland’s Tombeau to Debussy

Saturday 2 June 2018, 8pm

Thursday 14 June 7:30pm

Tickets: €38, €34, €29.50 Presented by NCH Supported by Newstalk

Debussy 2018: Ireland’s Tombeau to Debussy Thursday 7 June 7:30pm Kevin Barry Recital Room Tickets: €20 €55 for package of all three concerts Presented by NCH Supported by The Arts Council

Kevin Barry Recital Room Tickets: €20 €55 for package of all three concerts Presented by NCH Supported by The Arts Council

Perspectives: Jordi Savall & HESPÈRION XXI and invited musicians from Syria, Turkey, Morocco, Greece and Armenia Thursday 28 June 8pm Main Stage Tickets: €36, €32, €27.50 Presented by NCH | Supported by The Irish Times

nch.ie

45

CALENDAR OF EVENTS January Mon 1 ms 3:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra New Year Celebration

Tue 2 Wed 3

ms

2pm/6pm

Annie The Musical

Thu 4

ms

8pm

The National Youth Orchestra of Ireland New Year Gala

Fri 5

jfr

1:05pm

Bella Voce In Concert

Fri 5 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra American Gala: Gershwin, Bernstein, Joplin,

Sat 6

kbrr

11am

Chamber Music Gathering

Sat 6

s

1pm

Chamber Music Gathering

Sat 6

4:30pm

Chamber Music Gathering

Tue 9

7:30pm

The Big Bang! Irish National Opera

Wed 10 ms

8pm

Frances Black & Kieran Goss Reunion Tour

Thu 11

6:30pm

Musici Ireland at the National Gallery

Fri 12

jfr

1:05pm

Seasons of Sinatra

Fri 12

ms

6pm

Pipeworks Organ Recital

ms

Fri 12 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Symphonie Fantastique, Debussy, Bartók

Sat 13

10:20am

Mini Music

Sat 13

ms

7pm

Dublin Youth Orchestras Annual Concert

Sun 14

ms

8pm

Reeling in The Showband Years

Tue 16

ms

1:05pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra: Music of Our Time

Tue 16

kbrr

1:10pm

Talk: Choral Music in Ireland: History & Evolution

Tue 16 6:30pm

NCH Learning & Participation Ensembles: Percussion Lab

Tue 16

8pm

Pierce Turner, award winning musician

3pm

New Friends Tour

jfr

Wed 17

Wed 17 7:45pm

NCH Learning & Participation Ensembles: NCH Sing Out! Choir

Wed 17

Brendan Grace - Celebrates 45 Years of Comedy

ms

8pm

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

46

nch.ie

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thu 18 ms 8pm

Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents: The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan

Fri 19

jfr

1:05pm

John F. Larchet Remembered: The Compete Songs

Fri 19

3pm

JFR

Tea Dance Tunes

Fri 19 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Petrushka

Sat 20

jfr

12pm/1:30pm

Once Upon a Time - Family Concert with Affinití

Sat 20

ms

8pm

Academy of St Martin in the Fields; Joshua Bell, violin

Mon 22 jfr 10:30am/12:30pm

Bring Along a Baby

Mon 22 jfr 7:30pm

‘The Sleeping Queen’ composed by Michael William Balfe

Tue 23

Talk: Choral Music in Ireland: History & Evolution

kbrr

1:10pm

Tue 23 6pm

NCH Learning & Participation Ensembles: Gamelan Ensembles

Tue 23

Charlie Landsborough In Concert

ms

8pm

Wed 24 8:30am

Friends Event Lissadell House and The Model Arts Centre

Wed 24 ms

8pm

Brooklyn Rider and Martin Hayes

Thu 25

7:30pm

Xuefei Yang Guitar Series

kbrr

Thu 25 ms 8pm

Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents: The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Fri 26

Pigalle - Life and Music of Edith Piaf

jfr

1:05pm

Fri 26 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Toradze plays Shostakovich 2

Sat 27

ms

3pm/8pm

The Johann Strauss Gala

Sun 28

jfr

12pm

In Celebration of Victor

Sun 28

kbrr

3pm

Complete Beethoven Cycle - RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Sun 28

ms

6pm

Around the World in 80 Minutes

11am

Special Schools Sing-Along

Mon 29 jfr

Mon 29 ms 8pm

The Original Elvis TCB Band with Special Guests The Imperials & Dennis Jale

Tue 30

kbrr

1:10pm

Talk: Choral Music in Ireland: History & Evolution

Tue 30

ms

8pm

Visions of Floyd

Wed 31 ms 8pm

nch.ie

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Kaspars Putnin‚š, conductor

47

CALENDAR OF EVENTS February Thu 1 ms 8pm

Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents: A Celebration of Bernstein

Fri 2

jfr

1:05pm

Songs you should hear (Or should hear again)

Fri 2

ms

6pm

Pipeworks Organ Recital

Fri 2 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Anna Devin sings Mozart

Sat 3

kbrr

11am

Fidelio Trio Weekend

Sat 3

kbrr

3pm

Fidelio Trio Masterclass

Sun 4

kbrr

3pm

Fidelio Trio Weekend

Tue 6

kbrr

1:10pm

Talk: Choral Music in Ireland: History & Evolution

Tue 6 ms 8pm

Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Wed 7

Gwendolyn Masin & Finghin Collins Series

kbrr

7:30pm

Wed 7 5.15pm

Friends Event: Tosca at Dundrum with Lunch at Roly Saul

Wed 7 ms 8pm

Showtime with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Thu 8

Violin Masterclass with Anna Chumachenko, violin

kbrr

10am

Thu 8 ms 8pm

Magdalena Kožená, mezzo-soprano Le Concert d’Astrée & Emmanuelle Haïm, conductor

Fri 9

jfr

1:05pm

Golden Voices of Hollywood

Fri 9

ms

7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Prokofiev 5

Sat 10

10am

Family Workshop Day

Sat 10

ms

3pm/8pm

23rd Festival of Youth Orchestras

Sun 11

kbrr

3pm

Complete Beethoven Cycle - RTÉ Contempo Quartet

Tue 13

kbrr

1:10pm

Talk: Choral Music in Ireland: History & Evolution

Tue 13 ms 8pm

Dublin International Piano Competition Nikolay Khozyainov

Wed 14 kbrr

7:30pm

Mozart Quintets Emily Anderson Celebration

Wed 14

ms

8pm

Valentine’s Night with Declan O’Rourke

Thu 15

s

10:30am

Junior Songschool

Thu 15

ms

8pm

Legends Of Swing - The Best Swing Show In Town!

48

nch.ie

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fri 16

jfr

1:05pm

4 in A Bar: ‘Songs Of Love’

Fri 16 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra 70th Anniversary Celebration

Sat 17 ms 8pm

Czech Philharmonic Tomáš Netopil conductor | Alisa Weilerstein cello

Sun 18

ms

3pm

Czech Philharmonic Family Concert

Sun 18

ms

8pm

Czech Philharmonic, Ma Vlast, Tomáš Netopil conductor

Tue 20

kbrr

1:10pm

Talk: Choral Music in Ireland: History & Evolution

8pm

Thomas Moore - Reawakened

Wed 21 ms

Thu 22 ms 8pm

RTÉ Concert Orchestra Signature Series present Emma Johnson

Fri 23

jfr

1:05pm

Time To Blossom - Susannah deWrixon

Fri 23

ms

6pm

Pipeworks Organ Recital

Fri 23 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Nathalie Stutzmann Conducts

Sat 24

ms

8pm

Celebrating James Last

Sun 25

kbrr

3pm

The Vanbrugh & Michael McHale Piano Quartets

Sun 25

ms

7pm

The Irish Times Theatre Awards

Mon 26 ms

8pm

Perspectives: Nils Frahm

Tue 27 11am

Wed 28

Friends Event Ulster Orchestra at the Ulster Hall & Belfast City Hall

9.30am, 11am On a High Note-Music Workshops for Primary Schools & 12.30pm

March Thu 1 - Sun 4

New Music Dublin

Mon 5

The Gloaming

ms

8pm

Tue 6 11:15am

Friends Event: Hugh Lane tour and exhibition followed by lunch at Chapter One

Tue 6 ms Wed 7/ Thu 8

8pm

The Gloaming

Thu 8

7:30pm

Gwendolyn Masin & Finghin Collins Series

kbrr

Fri 9 jfr 1:05pm

nch.ie

Anthony Byrne and Aaron Shorr Piano Four Hands

49

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fri 9 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Sibelius 5

Sat 10

ms

8pm

The Gloaming

Sun 11

kbrr

3pm

The Vanbrugh & Michael McHale Piano Quartets

Sun 11

ms

3pm

Anton & Erin

Sun 11 Mon 12

ms

8pm

The Gloaming

Thu 15

ms

8pm

Philippe Cassard, piano

Fri 16

jfr

1:05pm

Dublin’s Theatre Royal Remembered

Sat 17 ms 8pm

Lá Fhéile Pádraig: The World Premiere of Seamus Heaney’s Sweeney

Sun 18

ms

8pm

Kilfenora Céilí Band and Guests

Tue 20

jfr

11am

Special Schools Sing-Along

Tue 20

ms

8pm

The Hibernian Orchestra Spring Concert

Thu 22

kbrr

7:30pm

Chamber Music Series

Thu 22

ms

7pm

RTÉ Concert Orchestra-Young Voices of Ireland

Fri 23

jfr

1:05pm

Songs of a Gypsy Life

Fri 23

jfr

3pm

Tea Dance Tunes

Fri 23

ms

6pm

Pipeworks Organ Recital

Fri 23 ms 7:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Alina Pogostkina plays Khachaturian

Sun 25

Complete Beethoven Cycle - RTÉ Contempo Quartet

kbrr

3pm

Mon 26 jfr 10:30am/ 12:30pm

Easter: Bring Along a Baby

Tue 27 s 11am/1pm

Easter: Sounds of Spring with The Mobile Music Machine

Tue 27

8pm

Artane School of Music - 20th Annual Showcase

3pm

Friends Event: Whiskey Tasting tour of Teeling distillery

ms

Wed 28

Wed 28 ms 8pm

RTÉ Concert Orchestra Essential Classics : Nordic Nights

Fri 30

RTÉ Contempo Quartet plays Beethoven

ms

1:30pm

Fri 30 ms 3:30pm

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra St. John Passion RTÉ Philharmonic Choir

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

50

nch.ie

SEATING PLAN

CHOIR BALCONY

Y D ON RE LC BA DE I S

SI D GR E BA EE LC N O N Y

STAGE STALLS

CHOIR BALCONY 136 SEATS UNRESERVED VIEW FROM MAIN BALCONY

EXIT

27 27 27 27 27

28 2 7

26 2 5 26 2 5 26 2 5 26 2 5 26 2 5 26 2 5 26 2 5 26 2 5 26 2 5 26 2 5

24 2 3 24 2 3 24 2 3 24 2 3 24 2 3 24 2 3 24 2 3 24 2 3 24 2 3 24 2 3

22 22 22 22

EXIT

18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

EXIT

49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 45 46 47 48 40 41 42 43 44 31 30 29 28 36 35 34 33 32

EXIT

37 38 39

ENTRANCE/EXIT

27 27 27 27

GREEN SIDE BALCONY

29 2 8 31 30 29 2 8 31 30 29 2 8 31 30 29 2 8 31 30 29 2 8 31 30 29 2 8 31 30 29 2 8 31 30 29 2 8 29 2 8

ENTRANCE TO CHOIR BALCONY

EXIT

ENTRANCE/EXIT ENTRANCE TO STALLS 1-15

STALLS A B C D E F G H J K

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

ENTRANCE/EXIT

EXIT

24 2 27 2 3 22 6 25 21 24 2 3 22 21

48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

0 29 6 25 2 28 2 24 2 7 26 3 22 X 31 30 29 25 2 28 2 4 23 7 26 Y 22 25

A

3 B 5 4 3 2 7 6 9 8 5 4 1 C 6 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 2 8 7 4 9 D 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 2 1 6 5 4 3 8 7 5 E 9 1 2 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 7 6 3 8 4 9 2 1 F 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 6 5 4 3 8 7 G 1 5 9 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 2 7 6 H 5 4 9 8 2 1 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 7 6 4 3 1 J 9 8 6 5 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 2 7 1 K 5 4 9 8 2 6 0 1 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 3 7 L 5 4 9 8 2 1 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 7 6 4 3 M 9 8 2 1 6 5 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 4 3 8 7 N 1 5 9 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 2 7 6 5 4 9 8 2 1 P 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 7 6 4 3 9 8 2 1 Q 6 5 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 7 1 R 5 4 9 8 2 6 0 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 1 3 7 1 S 5 4 9 8 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 2 7 6 1 T 5 4 9 8 2 6 0 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 1 3 7 1 U 5 4 9 8 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 2 7 6 1 V 5 4 9 8 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 2 7 6 8 W 4 1 9 5 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 3 2 7 6 5 4 X 9 8 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 2 1 7 6 3 8 Y 9 5 4 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 7 6 5 9 8 11 10 7 6 9 8 0 1 SOUND DESK

52 51 50 49 57 56 55 54 53 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23

A 29 B 30 28 27 26 29 2 25 2 8 27 4 23 C 31 30 26 2 22 5 24 29 23 2 D 31 30 28 27 26 2 29 2 25 2 8 27 4 23 E 31 30 22 26 2 5 24 29 23 2 F 31 30 28 27 26 2 29 2 25 2 8 27 4 23 G 31 30 26 2 22 29 5 H 31 30 28 27 26 24 23 22 29 25 J 31 30 28 27 26 24 23 22 29 2 K 31 30 28 27 26 5 24 23 22 29 2 L 31 30 28 27 26 5 24 23 22 29 2 25 2 8 27 4 23 M 31 30 26 2 22 29 N 31 30 28 27 26 5 24 23 2 2 29 2 25 2 8 27 4 23 P 31 30 2 22 6 29 25 Q 31 30 28 27 26 24 23 22 29 2 2 5 2 8 27 4 23 R 31 30 26 2 22 29 5 S 31 30 28 27 26 24 23 22 29 25 T 31 30 28 27 26 24 23 22 29 2 U 31 30 28 27 26 5 24 23 22 29 25 V 31 30 28 27 26 24 23 22 2 W 31 3 9 28 27 2 25 24 23 2

EXIT

RED SIDE BALCONY

EXIT

STAGE

ENTRANCE TO STALLS 16-31

21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 22 21 20 19 18 17 22 21 20 19 18 17 22 21 20 19 18 17

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

MAIN BALCONY

nch.ie

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ORGAN

7 6 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 9 8 6 7 9 8

3 5 4 H H H 5 H H H H 5 H H H H H 5 H H H 1 5 H 3 2 4 5 2 1 3 1 5 4 2 3 5 4 3 5 4 5 4

A B C D E F G H J K

ENTRANCE/EXIT ENTRANCE TO YELLOW AND RED BALCONIES

51

FRIENDS EXPERIENCE MORE Together our members make up a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, with a shared love of music and culture. Their collective enthusiasm and engagement enhances the work of the NCH. We invite you to become a part of this remarkable group of music lovers.

Become a Friend from €125 Friends enjoy exclusive membership benefits, such as: • Ticket discounts • Priority booking on selected concerts • A dedicated booking line • Special events • Access to bespoke cultural tours at home and abroad

Join as a Friend today by calling the Box Office on 01 417 0000.

Email friends@nch.ie or visit nch.ie for more information.

52

nch.ie

MUSIC IN CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS APPEAL At NCH, we are working to raise €10,000 to bring music from the National Concert Hall into the wards of Ireland’s children’s hospitals and hospices. The programme offers distraction and relaxation for young patients undergoing stressful treatment, and helps to improve the quality of life for patients, families and staff.

Bringing music into hospitals and hospices around Ireland such as Beaumont Children’s ward and the Laura Lynn Hospice offers a key relief and time out to children and their families. With many of these children seriously ill, it is a unique gift at a most difficult time.

This project plays a vital part in enabling us to deliver this important work over the coming year. Please give generously if you can but every donation no matter how small will make a difference to making this goal a reality.

How you can donate: • At the box office: by cash, cheque or credit card • Online: https://www.nch.ie/Online/Donations • Call the Box Office on 417 0000 • Cheque: Made out to the ‘National Concert Hall’ and addressed to Music in Children’s Hospitals Appeal, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

nch.ie

53

All-day brasserie menu at The Coburg Take a seat in the stylish surroundings of The Coburg at Conrad Dublin and enjoy the simplicity of a true brasserie experience, with a locally-inspired all day menu.

Book your table for a casual brunch, a late lunch or an early pre-concert dinner.

Champagne lovers will be enthused by the Champagne table, allowing you to taste a selection of the finest bubbles.

Open all day, every day until 11pm, The Coburg is the perfect place to unwind and discover an authentic Dublin experience, right on your doorstep.

The Coburg Brasserie Restaurant, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Tel:54 +353-1-602-8900 • Email: reservations@thecoburgdublin.com

nch.ie @TheCoburgDublin

MONTH

TRAVEL IN STYLE TRAVEL WITH ATTITUDE Visit your local ŠKODA Dealer to find out more about the ŠKODA Superb

Visit your local dealer to find out more about offers on the ŠKODA Superb or book a test drive. There are 0 reasons not to.

www.skoda.ie nch.ie

55

Celebrating 60 years of serving fine food in Dublin

Make your evening special with our delicious Pre-Theatre dinner Reservations : Tel: (01) 677 5545. – Email : trocaderoireland@gmail.com

No.4, St. Andrew’s Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. web : www.trocadero.ie

The Network For Progressive Sales Leaders

HELPING BUSINESS LEADERS CREATE THE OPTIMUM SALES ORGANISATION The Sales Institute, Proudly Supporting the National Concert Hall www.SalesInstitute.ie

GENERAL INFORMATION

BOOKING AND GENERAL INFORMATION Booking tickets at the National Concert Hall Telephone bookings: +353 1 417 0000 Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm In person bookings: Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm.

Open two hours prior to Main Stage performances on Sundays & Bank Holidays.

Open one hour prior to Kevin Barry Recital Room, John Field Room and Studio performances on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Online Booking: www.nch.ie The National Concert Hall is the only official seller of tickets for events at the Hall.

Conditions of Sale • Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged.

• Programme & artist are subject to change.

• The resale of tickets through a third party vendor and/or agent is strictly prohibited.

Concessions • Concessions are available on selected concerts to patrons who produce suitable identification.

• Concessions not requested at time of booking cannot be allocated later.

• All discounts apply to full price tickets only.

• Only one discount per ticket applies.

• Discounted tickets cannot be purchased in conjunction with any other offers or concessions.

58

• Family Tickets, where advertised, are available for 4 people with a maximum of 2 adults, the others being children aged 17 or under. Additional child tickets may be available, ask our Box Office team for advice.

Gift Cards • Gift cards can be used online, in person or over the phone.

• Please quote the gift card number and Redemption Number when booking.

Third Level Student Standby Scheme On production of suitable identification at the Box Office, third level students can avail of tickets for €5 one hour prior to selected performances. Please contact the Box Office on the day of the performance for possible availability of this offer. One ticket per student only.

Groups Got a Group? Get a Deal. Contact the Box Office booking line on +353 1 417 0000 or email info@nch.ie Child Admittance Patrons are advised that children under the age of 5 will not be admitted to events which are unsuitable for children. Please contact the Box Office for recommendations regarding age admittance.

nch.ie

GENERAL INFORMATION Babes-In-Arms • For family & children’s events, babes-in-arms (children under 12 months) will be admitted to the concert provided that they can be seated throughout the performance on the accompanying adult’s lap.

• Please inform the Box Office at time of booking to receive the free infant ticket.

Special Assistance • Seats are available at the back of the stalls (downstairs) for wheelchair users & their companions – please advise box office at time of booking.

• An induction loop system for hard of hearing patrons is available in the Main Stage.

• An Infra Red Assistive Listening System is available for events throughout the Main Stage and in the John Field Room. To avail of this system please contact our reception desk on the night.

Instructions on how to use this system are available on www.nch.ie.

National Concert Hall Etiquette • Cameras, video equipment and recording devices are not permitted.

• Please ensure all mobile devices are switched off before entering the auditorium.

• Please arrive early. There is no guarantee of late seating. Where possible, patrons will only be admitted when there is a suitable break, if any, in the performance.

• Please leave all coats, bags and umbrellas in the Cloak Room in the John Field Room. There is no charge incurred for this facility.

nch.ie

Data Protection • When you book tickets with the National Concert Hall, your details will be held on our database.

• From time to time, we may send you information about the National Concert Hall and its programme of events. If you do not wish to receive this information, please tell a member of the Box Office Team at time of booking or amend your preference online.

• The National Concert Hall complies with the principles of good data handling.

For details, please see our privacy policy on www.nch.ie.

The Music Box The Music Box at the National Concert Hall features a selection of CDs, DVDs, books and more. Open one hour prior to concerts, during the intermission and after performances.

Fine Dining at The Terrace Restaurant at the National Concert Hall For reservations call + 353 1 417 0090 or email nch@withtaste.ie

59

MONTH

2018 SAILING DATES Ireland & Iceland 30 April, 10 & 28 May

EXPLORE EUROPE DIRECT FROM DUBLIN ON CELEBRITY ECLIPSE

Norwegian Fjords 20 May British Isles & French Open 7 June

®

• No baggage restrictions • Car parking available with 24hr security • 85% of staterooms have a balcony • 11 innovative restaurants and cafes • Half an acre of real grass lawn

60

01 4081999 | www.e-travel.ie

nch.ie

CORPORATE ASSOCIATES We would like to acknowledge with appreciation and gratitude the generous support of our Corporate Associates, Patron Circle members and John Field Society members.

Your support plays a principal part in securing the future of the National Concert Hall, allowing us to deliver world class artists to Irish audiences and develop our Learning and Participation programme.

DIAMOND

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

Arup Earlsfort (East-Point) Nordic Cold Storage

Brackaville Investments Ltd Frank Glennon Ltd Frank Keane (Naas Road) Green Property Philip Lee

LEARNING AND PARTICIPATION PARTNERS Lauritzson Foundation, HPRA, Grant Thornton, Science Foundation Ireland, Dublin Port, Dublin City Council, Michael & Loret O’Brien, Brackaville Investments Ltd., Community Foundation for Ireland

PATRONS AND JOHN FIELD SOCIETY Frank & Ivy Bannister, Tony Brown, Tom Bryant & family, Sharon Burke, Tom Carey, Denis & Gráinne Cremins, Veronica Dunne, Sir James & Lady Jeanne Galway, Matthew King, Brian Kingham, Mary MacAodha, Brian McElroy, Don & Gina Menzies, Deirdre O’Grady, Rachel Patton, Richie Ryan, Kieran Tobin, Stephen Vernon We also gratefully acknowledge those patrons who have requested to remain anonymous.

Make a Difference Today For further information contact Matthew King on 01 417 0072 or email matthew.king@nch.ie

GIFT CARDS Your golden ticket to stunning performances.

Experience the magic.

Love the music.

nch.ie 01 417 0000