National Symphony Orchestra 2023-2024

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2O23 NATIONAL 2O24 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA


2O23 NATIONAL 2O24 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Front cover image: Elina Garanča

DUBLIN LIMERICK WEXFORD W AT E R F O R D

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024

Featured Irish composers include Irene Buckley and Linda Buckley, Siobhán Cleary and Ina Boyle, two NSO-commissioned world premieres – from Brian Byrne and Shaun Davey – and the Irish premiere of Gerald Barry’s double bass concerto, Aus Die bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant. In addition, three concerts will mark the centenary of Charles Villiers Stanford’s death. Australian Joe Chindamo’s ‘highly energetic’ trombone concerto, Ligeia, receives its European premiere.

The National Symphony Orchestra looks to a new season We are delighted to introduce the National Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-2024 Season which will see some of the world’s greatest stars and most exciting new talent return to, or make their debuts, at the National Concert Hall. With more than 30 concerts and events for families and schools, the season sees return visits to Limerick, Waterford and Wexford, while the orchestra’s close relationship with RTÉ continues with Main Season concerts broadcast live on RTÉ lyric Live on RTÉ lyric fm.

For film fans there are live accompanied screenings of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Home Alone, and we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Royal Irish Academy of Music when members of the RIAM Philharmonia and Chorale join the NSO. We launch our Symphony Shorts series for children and families in relaxed, ASD-friendly performances offering young audiences interactive engagement with great classical works, led by Jaime Martín, Leonard Slatkin and presenter Jessie Grimes.

Chief Conductor Jaime Martín conducts nine concerts, including the season’s curtain raiser, Berlioz’s spectacular Symphonie fantastique, and its finale, Verdi’s towering Requiem. A season highlight promises to be his reuniting with flamenco virtuoso Rebeca Sanchez for Falla’s flamenco-infused El amor brujo. A lockdown streaming hit, it will be even more sensational experienced live.

Price and value remain a focus. Tickets start at €15 with discounts available, ranging from 25% discount for Full Season to reductions for three or more concerts, group booking discounts and a €10 Student ticket.

Visiting superstars include debuts by mezzo-soprano Elina Garanča, ‘one of the most sought-after singers on earth’; Sheku Kanneh-Mason, ‘a cellist so talented it is simply outrageous’; and ‘nothing short of a phenomenon’ pianist Wayne Marshall. Returning are some of the finest musicians of our time; violinist Maxim Vengerov; conductors Marin Alsop, Leonard Slatkin, Mihhail Gerts and Anja Bihlmaier; soprano Danielle de Niese; pianists Gabriela Montero and Barry Douglas; and, in our NCH Friends Gala Concert, violinist Ray Chen. Making their NSO debuts are three extraordinary young musicians: violinists Karen Gomyo and Leia Zhu, and conductor Julio García-Vico. Irish artists are in plentiful abundance: sopranos Ailish Tynan, Celine Byrne and Claudia Boyle, mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, tenor Gavan Ring, baritone Benjamin Russell, pianist Finghin Collins, uilleann piper Mark Redmond, flautists Catriona Ryan and Emer McDonough, vocalist Rita Connolly, and conductor David Brophy. 2

The bedrock of the season is the vast repertoire of classical titans Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Mozart, Holst, Stravinsky, Mahler, Brahms, Dvořák and Fauré, whose Requiem makes history when the NCH’s three affiliated choirs – the National Symphony Chorus, Cór Linn and Cór na nÓg – perform together for the first time.

None of this would be possible without you, our audience, or the support of Government. Our sincere thanks to Minister Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, our valued Subscribers, Corporate Supporters, Friends and Patrons, and our audiences for their loyalty and support. Maura McGrath

Robert Read

Chairperson, National Concert Hall

CEO, National Concert Hall

NCH BOARD MEMBERS Maura McGrath (Chairperson) James Cavanagh Cliona Doris

Rebecca Gageby Hilary Hough Peter McKenna Niamh Murray Michelle O’Sullivan John Reynolds Don Thornhill

PATRON

National Concert Hall National Symphony Orchestra

Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024

2023/2024 Season at a Glance Friday 8 September 2023, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Mark Redmond, uilleann pipes Friday 15 September 2023, 7.30pm Lio Kuokman, conductor Barry Douglas, piano Friday 29 September 2023, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Matthew McDonald, double bass Saturday 30 September 2023, 12.30pm Symphony Shorts Jessie Grimes, presenter Jaime Martín, conductor Friday 6 October 2023, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Baiba Skride, violin Friday 13 October 2023, 7.30pm Diego Matheuz, conductor Sarah Fox, soprano Martina Belli, alto Norman Reinhardt, tenor Nicola Ulivieri, bass National Symphony Chorus Friday 20 October 2023, 7.30pm NCH Friends Gala Patrik Ringborg, conductor Ray Chen, violinist Friday 27 October 2023, 7.30pm Raiders of The Lost Ark in Concert Caleb Young, conductor Thursday 2 November 2023, 7.30pm Jessica Cottis, conductor Claire Booth, soprano Friday 3 November 2023, 7.30pm University Concert Hall, Limerick Jessica Cottis, conductor Claire Booth, soprano Friday 17 November 2023, 7.30pm Leonard Slatkin, conductor Wayne Marshall, piano

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Friday 24 November 2023, 7.30pm RIAM 175th Anniversary Celebration Leonard Slatkin, conductor Elizabeth Watts, soprano Mark Stone, baritone National Symphony Chorus RIAM Philharmonia (members) RIAM Chorale Saturday 25 November 2023, 12.30pm Symphony Shorts Jessie Grimes, presenter Leonard Slatkin, conductor Friday 1 December 2023, 7.30pm Marin Alsop, conductor Emer McDonough, flute Friday 8 December 2023, 7.30pm Home Alone in Concert Caleb Young, conductor Cór na nÓg Saturday 9 December 2023, 7.30pm Home Alone in Concert Caleb Young, conductor Cór na nÓg Sunday 10 December 2023, 7.30pm SETU Arena, Waterford Home Alone in Concert Caleb Young, conductor Cór na nÓg Friday 15 December 2023, 7.30pm National Opera House, Wexford Christmas Gala with Claudia Boyle David Brophy, conductor Claudia Boyle, soprano Cór Linn Friday 22 December 2023, 7.30pm Christmas Gala with Claudia Boyle David Brophy, conductor Claudia Boyle, soprano Cór Linn Saturday 23 December 2023, 3.00pm Christmas Gala with Claudia Boyle David Brophy, conductor Claudia Boyle, soprano Cór Linn

Monday 1 January 2024, 3.30pm New Year’s Day Celebration Robert Houlihan, conductor Celine Byrne, soprano

Friday 1 March 2024, 7.30pm John Wilson, conductor Peter Moore, trombone New Dublin Voices

Friday 5 January 2024, 7.30pm Jean-Luc Tingaud, conductor Catriona Ryan, flute Benjamin Russell, baritone National Symphony Chorus Cór na nÓg Cór Linn

Friday 8 March 2024, 7.30pm Celebrating International Women’s Day The Best of Elina Garanča Elina Garanča, mezzo-soprano Karel Mark Chichon, conductor

Friday 12 January 2024, 7.30pm Julio García-Vico, conductor Denis Kozhukhin, piano Friday 19 January 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello Friday 26 January 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Gabriela Montero, piano Friday 2 February 2024, 7.30pm Mihhail Gerts, conductor Carol McGonnell, clarinet Friday 9 February 2024, 7.30pm Anja Bihlmaier, conductor Ailish Tynan, soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, mezzo-soprano National Symphony Chorus

Friday 15 March 2024, 7.30pm Leslie Suganandarajah, conductor Leia Zhu, violin Sunday 17 March 2024, 7.30pm St Patrick’s Day – The Music of Shaun Davey David Brophy, conductor Shaun Davey, vocals Rita Connolly, vocals Mark Redmond, uilleann pipes Tríona Marshall, harp Friday 22 March 2024, 7.30pm David Brophy, conductor Maxim Vengerov, violin Friday 29 March 2024, 3.30pm GOOD FRIDAY Bach St Matthew Passion Friday 12 April 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Pablo Ferrández, cello

Friday 16 February 2024, 7.30pm Killian Farrell, conductor Finghin Collins, piano

Friday 19 April 2024, 7.30pm Alexander Shelley, conductor Danielle de Niese, soprano

Saturday 17 February 2024, 7.30pm SETU Arena, Waterford Killian Farrell, conductor Finghin Collins, piano

Friday 10 May 2024, 7.30pm Lio Kuokman, conductor Karen Gomyo, violin

Friday 23 February 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Rebeca Sanchez, singer/flamenco artist

KEY

Main Season Family, Learning and Participation Beyond the Season

Friday 31 May 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Miah Persson, soprano Jennifer Johnston, mezzo-soprano Valentyn Dytiuk, tenor Evgeny Stavinsky, bass National Symphony Chorus

Unless otherwise indicated all performances take place in Dublin’s National Concert Hall

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024

Welcome to the National Symphony Orchestra’s new season! When I look back to my first concert as Chief Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in October 2019, when we performed Mahler’s Third Symphony, it was impossible to imagine then that a few months later the orchestra’s activity, and actually the activity of most of the world, would be forced to stop for an unknown period of time. I remember beginning the 2020–21 season in an empty hall, determined to be with our audience through weekly online concerts. This was a challenging time for everybody. Huge effort was required to allow our programme of music-making to continue as ‘live’ as possible. Even the 10-day quarantine periods I had to do on several occasions were a positive experience; I had the opportunity to explore the beautiful beaches and sights of Dublin.

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During the last season I could feel how much the public love this – their – orchestra, not only in our Dublin home, the National Concert Hall, but also in the venues we performed in around Ireland. All of us have been motivated by the sight of full halls, happy to see the return of the very loyal audience that has been supporting us for years, and also to welcome in person a new and enthusiastic public that discovered the NSO through our online concerts. I am very excited to be part of this 2023–24 season, my fifth and final season as Chief Conductor of this wonderful orchestra. Since first hearing a concert live when I was nine-years-old, I have always found the sound of a symphony orchestra irresistible. We would like to share this sound through some of the greatest pieces of music ever written (in my opinion) alongside new compositions and works that may be unfamiliar, but are intriguing and exciting. I look forward to welcoming you! Jaime Martín Chief Conductor, National Symphony Orchestra

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Jaime Martín

Mark Redmond

Season Opening Friday 8 September 2023, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Mark Redmond, uilleann pipes Brahms Brian Byrne

CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

Academic Festival Overture The NSO’s Bus Journey Through Scotland (That May Or May Not Have Happened) World Premiere. NSO Commission

Berlioz

Symphonie fantastique

Chief Conductor Jaime Martín launches the new season in style with two magnificent orchestral showcases and a world premiere featuring uilleann pipes virtuoso Mark Redmond. Brahms at his most boisterous in the Academic Festival Overture, Berlioz at his most exhilarating in the spectacular and sensuous Symphonie fantastique, and a Brian Byrne world premiere jam-packed with colour, joy and a touch of silliness await you.

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Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Barry Douglas

Matthew McDonald

Friday 15 September 2023, 7.30pm

Friday 29 September 2023, 7.30pm

Lio Kuokman, conductor Barry Douglas, piano

Jaime Martín, conductor Matthew McDonald, double bass

Augusta Holmès Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky

Glinka Gerald Barry

Irlande Piano Concerto No. 1 Symphony No. 1, ‘Winter Daydreams’

Stravinsky No one plays Tchaikovsky like Barry Douglas, whose ‘powerful playing always compels’ (The Guardian) and is not to missed in the bold, bracing, heart-onsleeve First Piano Concerto. ‘Startling conducting talent’ (Philadelphia Inquirer) Lio Kuokman leads Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony, Winter Daydreams, a virtual ride through a magical landscape of snow and ice, and Augusta Holmès’ Irlande, a sweeping tribute to her Irish heritage, brims over with poetry, drama and colour.

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Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

Ruslan & Lyudmilla Overture Aus Die bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant for double bass and orchestra Irish Premiere The Firebird (Complete Ballet)

Musical masters from three centuries. Glinka’s Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture fizzes with breath-taking excitement, Stravinsky’s masterpiece The Firebird a blazing display of orchestral vim and verve. The Berlin Philharmonic’s Matthew McDonald joins Chief Conductor Jaime Martín for the Irish premiere of Gerald Barry’s passionate double bass concerto. Setting a scene from Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s film The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant, it brings the instrument’s unique voice and virtuosity to brilliant life. Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 FAMILY, LEARNING AND PARTICIPATION

Jaime Martín

Saturday 30 September 2023, 12.30pm

For children and families

Symphony Shorts For children and families

CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

Jessie Grimes, presenter • Jaime Martín, conductor

Stravinsky

Jessie Grimes

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The Firebird (selections)

Strap in for the ride of your life as dynamic musician and presenter Jessie Grimes leads an interactive musical exploration bringing the infernal dance of Stravinsky’s The Firebird to life! For this family-friendly concert, the National Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor, Jaime Martín, perform highlights from this neon-bright masterpiece to help ignite a love of classical music in children and adults alike. Designed for families with children aged eight and above, all are welcome. This is a relaxed, ASD-friendly performance. Tickets: €20 Adult, €15 Child, €65 Family Ticket (4 tickets, max. 2 adults). Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Baiba Skride

Diego Matheuz

Friday 6 October 2023, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Baiba Skride, violin

Linda Buckley Bernstein Richard Strauss

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CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

Fall Approaches Serenade (after Plato’s Symposium) Also Sprach Zarathustra

Friday 13 October 2023, 7.30pm Diego Matheuz, conductor Sarah Fox, soprano Martina Belli, alto Norman Reinhardt, tenor Beethoven Beethoven

Nicola Ulivieri, bass National Symphony Chorus David Young, chorus director

Symphony No. 5 Mass in C

An epic journey through nature, the heart and the imagination. Chief Conductor Jaime Martín partners with Baiba Skride, whose ‘virtuosity never falters’ (The Strad), for Bernstein’s vivacious Serenade, a work she has made her own. Inspired by Icelandic poetry, Linda Buckley’s mesmerising Fall Approaches mimics a traditional narrative chanted song, Richard Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra (memorably featured in 2001: A Space Odyssey) music of astonishing and visionary imagination.

Two masterpieces by the musical Titan that was Beethoven: the fiery Fifth Symphony and the magisterial Mass in C. From its thunderous opening through to its euphoric conclusion, Beethoven’s Fifth is a monumental work of exultant power and heroic grandeur. The intimate, tranquil and devotional Mass in C showcases Beethoven’s deeply personal response to the divine. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear it live.

Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available.

Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available.

Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Ray Chen

Patrik Ringborg

NCH Friends Gala Concert Friday 20 October 2023, 7.30pm Patrik Ringborg, conductor Ray Chen, violin

Smyth Korngold Bernstein Korngold

The Wreckers Overture Violin Concerto in D major Fancy Free Straussiana

Music to quicken the pulse, stir the soul, and set feet dancing. ‘Colours dance, moods swing’ (The Times) as Ray Chen partners with ‘masterful’ (Bachtrack) conductor Patrik Ringborg for Korngold’s romantically sumptuous Violin Concerto. Ethel Smyth’s Cornish fantasia, the dramatic and moving The Wreckers Overture, Bernstein’s vivacious, jazz-tinged salute to New York, Fancy Free, and Korngold’s Straussiana, his luxuriously melodic tribute to the ‘Waltz King’, complete an exhilarating evening of contrasts and extremes.

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Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. 25% discount for Friends of NCH. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 BEYOND THE SEASON

Friday 27 October 2023, 7.30pm LIVE SCREENING IN CONCERT

Raiders of The Lost Ark in Concert Caleb Young, conductor The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever before! Relive the magic on the silver screen with the original great adventure… Raiders of the Lost Ark… with John Williams’ epic score performed live to picture by a full symphony orchestra! The year is 1936, and professor of archaeology and ‘obtainer of rare antiquities’ Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is tasked by U.S. Army Intelligence to recover the legendary Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. Indy’s quest takes him to Nepal and Egypt, reuniting him with an old friend (John Rhys-Davies), an old foe (Paul Freeman), and an ex-flame (Karen Allen) who falls somewhere in between. Armed with his hat, whip and wits, our intrepid hero must face formidable enemies – and impossible odds – to save the day and the world. © 1981 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Presentation licensed by Bantha Music c/o Walt Disney Music Company. © All rights reserved.

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Tickets: €24.50 (Restricted View), €34.50, €44.50, €49.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Jessica Cottis

Claire Booth

Thursday 2 November 2023, 7.30pm National Concert Hall Friday 3 November 2023, 7.30pm University Concert Hall, Limerick In association with the University of Limerick

Jessica Cottis, conductor Claire Booth, soprano Matthew Hindson Berg Brahms

Speed Seven Early Songs Symphony No. 2

Conductor Jessica Cottis – ‘at one minute fluid and expressive, at another animated and explosive, and everything in between’ (Limelight) – returns for a programme of exciting contrasts. Matthew Hindson’s Speed is a rollercoaster ride at full throttle, Brahms’ glowing Second Symphony a thing of becalmed, pastoral beauty and brilliance. Claire Booth, ‘that most questing, resourceful and intelligent of sopranos’ (Daily Telegraph) sings Berg’s haunting, otherworldly and mysteriously beautiful Seven Early Songs.

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Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Wayne Marshall

Friday 17 November 2023, 7.30pm Leonard Slatkin, conductor Wayne Marshall, piano

Barber Gershwin Copland

Leonard Slatkin

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Essay for Orchestra No. 2 Piano Concerto in F major Symphony No. 3

America the beautiful, bold and brilliant: three composers who defined the nation’s musical voice, championed by two of its greatest exponents: conductor Leonard Slatkin and pianist Wayne Marshall. Barber’s Second Essay for Orchestra combines ever-changing moods and lyrical beauty, Gershwin’s rousing blues- and jazzaccented Piano Concerto hymns the Roaring Twenties. Copland’s Third Symphony fuses Old World accents with New World vigour and vitality to produce one of the great musical statements of the ‘American Century’. Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Mark Stone

In association with the Royal Irish Academy of Music celebrating its 175th anniversary

Friday 24 November 2023, 7.30pm Leonard Slatkin, conductor Elizabeth Watts, soprano Mark Stone, baritone

National Symphony Chorus David Young, chorus director

RIAM Philharmonia (members) RIAM Chorale Blánaid Murphy, musical director

Mendelssohn Britten Vaughan Williams

National Symphony Chorus

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Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage Overture Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes A Sea Symphony

Leonard Slatkin journeys onto vast oceans, from gentle tide to thunderous power in Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage Overture, and the ever-changing seascape of Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony is a charged song of praise to life on the high seas.

Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 FAMILY, LEARNING AND PARTICIPATION

Jessie Grimes

Marin Alsop

Saturday 25 November 2023, 12.30pm

For children and families

Symphony Shorts

The Rite with Marin Alsop International Conducting Course

For children and families Jessie Grimes, presenter • Leonard Slatkin, conductor Mendelssohn Britten

Presented by And Other Duties in association with Marin Alsop and the National Concert Hall.

Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage Overture Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes

Cast off for a musical adventure on the high seas with the National Symphony Orchestra, maestro Leonard Slatkin and dynamic musician and presenter Jessie Grimes. Drift from gentle tide to mighty ocean in Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage Overture, while Britten’s Four Sea Interludes are clothed in mystery, majesty, danger and beauty. Designed for families with children aged five and above, all are welcome. This is a relaxed performance.

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Tickets: €20 Adult, €15 Child, €65 Family Ticket (4 tickets, max. 2 adults). Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

Sunday 26 November – Friday 1 December 2023

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Marin Alsop is renowned not just as a music director but as one of the finest music educators of our time. During her week in Dublin, she will be offering eight of the world’s most promising young conductors the unforgettable experience of working alongside her and the NSO in a series of masterclasses, seminars and discussions which explore the skills that will be needed to lead the orchestras of the future. Find out more: www.andotherduties.com

“These are the kinds of tools every young conductor needs” Marin Alsop

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Marin Alsop

Emer McDonough

Friday 1 December 2023, 7.30pm Marin Alsop, conductor Emer McDonough, flute

Beethoven Rouse Stravinsky

Leonore Overture No. 3 Concerto for Flute The Rite of Spring

‘Human dynamo’ (Seen and Heard International) conductor Marin Alsop makes her much anticipated return to the National Symphony Orchestra with Beethoven’s vivid opera-in-miniature, Leonore Overture No. 3, and the raw, elemental punch and power of Stravinsky’s history-making masterpiece, The Rite of Spring. The ‘truly outstanding’ (MusicWeb International) Emer McDonough is the soloist in Christopher Rouse’s exhilarating and poignant, Irish folk music-influenced Flute Concerto.

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Tickets: €25, €39.50, €47.50, €59.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 BEYOND THE SEASON

Christmas Gala with Claudia Boyle Friday 8 December, 7.30pm • National Concert Hall Saturday 9 December, 7.30pm • National Concert Hall

Friday 15 December, 7.30pm National Opera House, Wexford In association with the National Opera House

Sunday 10 December, 7.30pm • SETU Arena, Waterford In association with Symphony Club of Waterford

Friday 22 December, 7.30pm Saturday 23 December, 3.00pm* National Concert Hall

LIVE SCREENING IN CONCERT

Home Alone in Concert

David Brophy, conductor Claudia Boyle, soprano Cór Linn • Ciarán Kelly, choral director

Film with Live Orchestral accompaniment

Caleb Young, conductor Cór na nÓg • Mary Amond O’Brien, choral director A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the National Symphony Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family! © 1990 Twentieth Century Fox

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Tickets: €24.50 (Restricted View), €34.50, €44.50, €49.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

* Note earlier start time on Saturday 23rd December

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Back by popular demand, our festive gala magically bringing together the worlds of opera, seasonal favourites and carols. The always ‘captivating’ (Bachtrack) Claudia Boyle sings favourite arias by Gounod and Bizet, and Christmas classics, including Bach/Gounod’s Ave Maria, ‘Je veux vivre’ (Roméo et Juliette), ‘Comme autrefois’ (The Pearl Fishers), The Wexford Carol and O Holy Night. Suitably snowy orchestral showpieces include Nigel Hess’s ringing Christmas Overture and Leroy Anderson’s exhilarating Sleigh Ride. Tickets: €24, €34.50, €44.50, €49.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

New Year’s Day Celebration Monday 1 January 2024, 3.30pm

Celine Byrne

Robert Houlihan, conductor Celine Byrne, soprano

Suppé

Beautiful Galatea Overture

Stolz

‘Du sollst der Kaiser meiner Seele sein’ (Der Favorit)

Oscar Straus

‘My Hero’ (The Chocolate Soldier)

J Strauss II

Im Krapfenwald

Ivanovici

Donauwellen Walzer

Lehár

‘Meine lippen, sie küssen so heiss’ (Giuditta)

J Strauss II

Roses from the South

Josef Strauss

Ohne Sorgen! (Without Worries!)

J Strauss II

The Blue Danube Waltz

J Strauss II

Czárdás (Die Fledermaus)

J Strauss II

Vergnügungszug (Pleasure Train)

Lehár

The Merry Widow Waltz

Lehár

Vilja Lied (The Merry Widow)

J Strauss II

Emperor Waltz

Welcome in the New Year with a Viennese whirl of dazzling music, irresistible melodies and sparkling vocal gems from the worlds of opera and operetta. Conductor Robert Houlihan and Celine Byrne’s ‘glorious voice’ (Bachtrack) lead the festivities with elegant waltzes and orchestral jewels by the Strauss family (including The Blue Danube and Roses from the South), the romance of Lehár’s ‘Vijla Lied’ (The Merry Widow), Oscar Straus’s ‘My Hero’ (The Chocolate Soldier), and Suppé’s exhilarating Beautiful Galatea Overture.

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Tickets: €24, €34.50, €44.50, €49.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Cór Linn

Catriona Ryan

Friday 5 January 2024, 7.30pm Jean-Luc Tingaud, conductor Catriona Ryan, flute Benjamin Russell, baritone

National Symphony Chorus David Young, chorus director

Cór na nÓg

Mary Amond O’Brien, choral director

Cór Linn • Ciarán Kelly, choral director Fauré Fauré Bizet Fauré

Cór na nÓg

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Les Djinns Fantaisie for flute and orchestra Symphony in C Requiem

Fantasy, romance and high emotions from two French masters. Bizet’s Symphony in C is shot through with youthful energy and excitement, Fauré’s Les Djinns conjures shape-shifting spirits, his light-as-air Fantaisie a sylvan reverie for flute. Fauré’s deeply moving Requiem sees the National Symphony Chorus, Cór na nÓg and Cór Linn performing together for the first time. Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Denis Kozhukhin

Friday 12 January 2024, 7.30pm Julio García-Vico, conductor Denis Kozhukhin, piano

Brahms Dvořák

Piano Concerto No. 2 Symphony No. 9, ‘From the New World’

New horizons and home thoughts from abroad colour two stirring masterpieces. Brahms’ passionate and whimsical Second Piano Concerto perfectly blends the grandiose and the intimate, Dvořák’s From the New World an homage to America’s frontier spirit and soul, the achingly beautiful melody at its heart speaking of homesickness for the composer’s native Bohemia. Denis Kozhukhin, ‘a focused wave of energy’ (Bachtrack), is the soloist for the Brahms, Julio García-Vico, ‘the real deal’ (Medici), conducts.

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Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Sheku KannehMason Jaime Martín

Friday 19 January 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello

Siobhán Cleary Elgar Sibelius

CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

Cokaygne Cello Concerto Symphony No. 2

Chief Conductor Jaime Martín and Sheku Kanneh-Mason partner for Elgar’s spirited and noble, haunting and elegiac Cello Concerto, a poignant reflection on lives lost in war with a keening Adagio at its heart. Cokaygne is a vivid impression of the mythical land of plenty and an 11th-century Irish satire on gluttony, full of fantastical effects and imaginative detail. Filled with memorable melodies, the stirring Second Symphony by Sibelius tributes his native Finland’s heroic struggle for survival.

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Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Gabriela Montero

Carol McGonnell

Friday 26 January 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Gabriela Montero, piano

Irene Buckley Mozart Tchaikovsky

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CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

Friday 2 February 2024, 7.30pm Mihhail Gerts, conductor Carol McGonnell, clarinet

Wagner Stanford Brahms

Stórr Piano Concerto No. 24 Symphony No. 6, ‘Pathétique’

Stanford

1OO

Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde Clarinet Concerto Symphony No. 4

The corkscrew affairs of the heart find voice in music that startles and stirs the emotions. Gabriela Montero, whose ‘talent borders on genius’ (ConcertoNet), partners with Chief Conductor Jaime Martín for the greatest of all Mozart’s Piano Concerto’s, the mighty No. 24. Irene Buckley’s Stórr luminously overlaps fractured sounds drawn from Gaelic psalm singing to haunting, otherworldly effect. Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique is a dark-hued masterpiece of remarkable emotional breadth, unbridled passion and an altogether baleful beauty.

The NSO’s Stanford 100 series marking the centenary of Charles Villiers Stanford’s death begins with the enchanting Clarinet Concerto paired with his peers, Wagner and Brahms. ‘Extraordinary clarinettist’ (New York Times) Carol McGonnell is the soloist for the romantic and characterful concerto with Mihhail Gerts – ‘captivating from the first to the last note’ (RPonline) – conducting. The Prelude & Liebestod from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde is sensual and sublime, Brahms’ mighty, magnificent Fourth Symphony a poetic, passionate masterpiece.

Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available.

Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available.

Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Ailish Tynan

National Symphony Chorus Friday 9 February 2024, 7.30pm Anja Bihlmaier, conductor Ailish Tynan, soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, mezzo-soprano

Mahler

National Symphony Chorus David Young, chorus director

Symphony No. 2, ‘Resurrection’

A work of profound power and beauty, Mahler’s monumental Second Symphony is a thunderous journey from darkness to light, from despair to joy, its final ascent into Paradise a radiant display of its title, Resurrection. The ‘charismatic’ (Bühne) Anja Bihlmaier conducts the National Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this rousing masterpiece, with the ‘radiant voice’ (Irish Times) of soprano Ailish Tynan and mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, ‘whose star is very much in the ascendancy’ (The Arts Review).

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Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Finghin Collins

Friday 16 February 2024, 7.30pm* National Concert Hall Saturday 17 February 2024, 7.30pm SETU Arena, Waterford

Stanford

1OO

In association with Symphony Club of Waterford

Killian Farrell, conductor Finghin Collins, piano

Ina Boyle Stanford Dvořák

Killian Farrell

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The Magic Harp Piano Concerto No. 2 Symphony No. 5

* This concert will be broadcast on RTÉ lyric fm and across the European Broadcasting Union as part of the Euroradio Premium Concert Series.

Our Stanford 100 salute continues with his large-scale romantic Second Piano Concerto, shot through with rousing drama, lilting poetry and exquisite fantasy, with the ‘exceptionally intelligent, exceptionally sensitive’ (International Record Review) Finghin Collins at the keyboard. Fast-rising star-in-the-making conductor Killian Farrell serves up Ina Boyle’s enchanted orchestral rhapsody, and Dvořák’s glorious Fifth Symphony revels in the colourful life and idyllic nature of his native Bohemia. Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Rebeca Sanchez

Friday 23 February 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Rebeca Sanchez, singer/flamenco artist Chabrier Falla Falla Ravel

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CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

España El amor brujo The Three-Cornered Hat, Suites 1 and 2 Bolero

John Wilson

Friday 1 March 2024, 7.30pm John Wilson, conductor • Peter Moore, trombone New Dublin Voices • Bernie Sherlock, director Lili Boulanger Joe Chindamo

D’un matin de printemps Ligeia (Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra) European Premiere

Holst

The Planets

Chief Conductor Jaime Martín and vocalist Rebeca Sanchez revisit their lockdown streaming sensation, El amor brujo (Love, the Magician). A chance to hear Falla’s flamenco-infused marriage of the melodic and the macabre live for the first time. Chabrier’s rhapsodic, rhythmic España is a picture postcard in musical form, Falla’s exuberant The Three-Cornered Hat colourfully borrows from traditional folk tunes, and Ravel’s pneumatic Bolero never fails to hypnotise with its insistent percussive rhythms and blazing finale.

From the inner world of the imagination to the outer reaches of space. Joe Chindamo’s ‘highly energetic – even quite wild at times – and virtuosic’ trombone concerto Ligeia boldly probes gothic fiction and psychology with London Symphony Orchestra principal Peter Moore the soloist in its European premiere. Lili Boulanger’s gorgeous depiction of a Spring morning, D’un matin de printemps, is a prelude to Holst’s The Planets, one of the great orchestral showpieces, brimming over with the most majestic and awe-inspiring music.

Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available.

Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available.

Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

47


National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Celebrating International Women’s Day

The Best of Elina Garanča Friday 8 March 2024, 7.30pm Elina Garanča, mezzo-soprano Karel Mark Chichon, conductor

Glinka Tchaikovsky Massenet Saint-Saëns Saint-Saëns Gounod

Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture Joan’s Aria (The Maid of Orleans) Meditation (Thaïs) ‘Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix’ (Samson et Dalila) Bacchanale (Samson et Dalila) ‘Plus grand, dans son obscurité’ (La Reine de Saba)

Spanish pasodobles Marquina España Cañí Lope Gerona Penella El Gato Montes Bizet

Elïna Garanča

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Extracts from Carmen Including ‘L’amour est un enfant de bohème’, ‘En vain, pour éviter’, ‘Chanson bohème’, Habanera and Séguidille.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Elina Garanča – ‘one of the most sought-after singers on Earth’ (New York Classical Review) – as she brings to life some of opera’s most indelible heroines. Tchaikovsky’s defiant Joan of Arc (The Maid of Orleans), Saint-Saëns’ proud Delilah (Samson et Dalila), Gounod’s ardent Queen Balkis (La Reine de Saba) and Bizet’s free-spirited Carmen all make heroic appearances. ‘Youthful conductor of genius’ (New York Times) Karel Mark Chichon leads the National Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets: €40, €57.50, €75, €95. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Leia Zhu

Leslie Suganandarajah

Friday 15 March 2024, 7.30pm Leslie Suganandarajah, conductor Leia Zhu, violin

Stanford Mendelssohn Beethoven

Stanford

1OO

Irish Rhapsody No.1 Violin Concerto Symphony No. 4

Stanford 100 concludes with his First Irish Rhapsody, decorously laced with traditional melodies woven into the most finely spun musical cloth. Two exciting talents – conductor Leslie Suganandarajah and violinist Leia Zhu, ‘making that difficult transition from prodigy to star with apparent ease’ (The Guardian) – make their NSO debuts with Mendelssohn’s heart-on-sleeve Violin Concerto, stamped with his signature lyrical lightness of touch. Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony moves from shadow to light towards a high-wire finale of quicksilver contrasts and prancing humour.

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Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 BEYOND THE SEASON

National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Maxim Vengerov

St Patrick’s Day The Music of Shaun Davey Sunday 17 March 2024, 7.30pm

Friday 22 March 2024, 7.30pm

David Brophy, conductor Shaun Davey, vocals Rita Connolly, vocals Mark Redmond, uilleann pipes Tríona Marshall, harp

David Brophy, conductor Maxim Vengerov, violin

Shaun Davey

Haydn Sibelius Beethoven

St. Patrick’s Overture World Premiere. NSO Commission. Granuaile The Brendan Voyage

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day steeped in the music of one of Ireland’s finest composers, Shaun Davey, with the world premiere of his new St. Patrick’s Overture, his wild and magnificent Granuaile, and his timeless and epic contemporary classic, The Brendan Voyage.

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Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

Symphony No. 46   Violin Concerto Symphony No. 7

The phenomenal Maxim Vengerov joins forces with the National Symphony Orchestra for one of the truly great violin concertos in an unmissable return visit. Haunting, heart-aching and heavenly by turns, expect fireworks aplenty in Sibelius’s wildly romantic Violin Concerto, lit up by dazzling virtuoso displays. Uneasy, restless, searching, and shot through with lyrical melancholy, Haydn’s 46th Symphony, a Sturm und Drang (‘storm and stress’) masterpiece, brims with one characteristic surprise after another before its ebulliently witty end. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is a work of extreme contrasts that begins in sunlit optimism and ends in fury, the whole carried along by a stirring heroic grandeur. Tickets: €25, €39.50, €47.50, €59.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

53


National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Friday 29 March 2024, 3.30pm

GOOD FRIDAY

Bach

St Matthew Passion David Young, conductor Gavan Ring, tenor (Evangelist) Dan D’Souza, bass (Jesus) Kelli-Ann Masterson, soprano Bethany Horak-Hallett, alto Liam Bonthrone, tenor Michael Mofidian, bass (Pilate) National Symphony Chorus David Young, chorus director

Cór na nÓg Mary Amond O’Brien, choral director

A magisterial re-telling of the Easter Story, Bach’s St Matthew Passion is arguably the greatest of all musical masterpieces. Deeply moving, intensely felt and boasting dark-hued music of exquisite beauty, it is also a drama of tremendous urgency and striking intimacy. David Young conducts the National Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, with Gavan Ring (Christus), Dan D’Souza (Jesus), Michael Mofidian (Pilate), and soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson, alto Bethany Horak-Hallett, tenor Liam Bonthrone, and Cór na nÓg.

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Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

55


National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Pablo Ferrández

Jaime Martín

Friday 12 April 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Pablo Ferrández, cello

Smetana Tchaikovsky Shostakovich

CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

‘Vltava’ (Ma Vlast) Variations on a Rococo Theme Symphony No. 10

Dreams of homeland, the past and new futures. ‘New cello genius’ (Le Figaro) Pablo Ferrández returns with Chief Conductor Jaime Martín for Tchaikovsky’s exquisitely eloquent, string-rich salute to the 18th century, the Variations on a Rococo Theme. Smetana’s ‘Vltava’ from Má vlast pays homage to the mighty Moldau river with beguiling colour and character. Shostakovich’s seething, granite-edged Tenth Symphony is a deeply personal response to Stalin’s death, a fierce, fervent declaration that tyranny holds no sway.

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Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

57


National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Danielle de Niese

Alexander Shelley

Friday 19 April 2024, 7.30pm Alexander Shelley, conductor Danielle de Niese, soprano Richard Strauss Mozart Mozart Mozart Mozart Richard Strauss

Till Eulenspiegel Bella mia fiamma, addio ‘Parto, parto, ma tu ben mio’ (La clemenza di Tito) ‘Al desio, di chi t’adora’ (Le nozze di Figaro) Symphony No. 31, ‘Paris’ Der Rosenkavalier Suite

‘Opera’s coolest soprano’ (New York Times) Danielle de Niese returns to dazzle in luxurious arias by Mozart, including the rarity ‘Al desio, di chi t’adora’ composed for a later revival of Le nozze di Figaro. The ‘immaculate’ (Yorkshire Post) Alexander Shelley leads the NSO. Mozart’s Paris Symphony provides classical brio and brilliance between two romantically sumptuous works by Richard Strauss: the rollicking, incident-packed portrait of the mischief-making Till Eulenspiegel, and the vivacious, melody-filled Suite gleefully drawn from his opulent Viennese opera, Der Rosenkavalier. 58

Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

59


National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Lio Kuokman

Friday 10 May 2024, 7.30pm

Karen Gomyo

Lio Kuokman, conductor Karen Gomyo, violin

Shostakovich Shostakovich Stravinsky

Festive Overture Violin Concerto No. 1 Petrushka

Two musical giants explore love, fear and make-believe. Shostakovich’s Festive Overture bristles with vitality and wit, his First Violin Concerto searing and soulbearing in music of fragile beauty, blistering emotions and thunderous defiance. Stravinsky’s ‘ballet burlesque’ Petrushka brilliantly fuses folk music and puppetry into a richly animated phantasmagoria. ‘Extraordinary’ (New York Times) violinist Karen Gomyo and ‘startling conducting talent’ (Philadelphia Inquirer) Lio Kuokman promise an evening to remember.

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Tickets: €15, €24.50, €32, €38.50. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

61


National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 MAIN SEASON

Jaime Martín

Miah Persson

Season Finale Friday 31 May 2024, 7.30pm Jaime Martín, conductor Miah Persson, soprano Jennifer Johnston, mezzo-soprano

Verdi

Valentyn Dytiuk, tenor Evgeny Stavinsky, bass National Symphony Chorus

CHIEF CONDUCTOR

JAIME MARTÍN

David Young, chorus director

Requiem

Verdi’s towering, titanic Requiem provides our unmissable season finale. Chief Conductor Jaime Martín conducts the National Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and a quartet of star soloists – Miah Persson (soprano), Jennifer Johnston (mezzo-soprano), Valentyn Dytiuk (tenor), Evgeny Stavinsky (bass) – in music cast on the grandest of scales. Shot through with operatic intensity, it thrills in its contrasts between the hushed prayers of repentant sinners, ecstatic dancing angels, and a terror-inducing depiction of the Day of Judgement.

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Tickets: €20, €29.50, €37.50, €45. Limited concessions available. Discounts for multi-buy customers and groups. See page 67.

nch.ie

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024 FAMILY, LEARNING AND PARTICIPATION

IN THE

CLASSROOM Coming in 2024

LEAVING CERTIFICATE MUSIC GUIDE JUNIOR CYCLE MUSIC GUIDE Jessie Grimes, presenter • David Brophy, conductor

MUSICAL ADVENTURES

I N T Built H E around the new Junior Cycle Music Learning Outcomes and using some of the greatest orchestral music ever written, the NSO, musician-presenter Jessie Grimes and conductor David Brophy will explore how live music can provoke emotion, change mood and illustrate a scene.

CLASSROOM IN THE

LEAVINGTuesday CERTIFICATE MUSIC GUIDE 5 March 2024, 10:30am & 12:25pm

CLASSROOM IN THE

CLASSROOM

Tickets: €10 student. Accompanying teachers go free. JUNIOR CYCLE MUSIC GUIDE

CERTIFICATE LEAVINGLEAVING CERTIFICATE MUSIC GUIDE MUSIC GUIDE MUSICAL ADVENTURES

Fun concerts for children aged 8-12

JUNIOR CYCLE MUSICCYCLE GUIDE MUSIC GUIDE JUNIOR

Jessie Grimes, presenter • David Brophy, conductor

Dynamic musician-presenter Jessie Grimes and the National Symphony Orchestra under David Brophy present a step-by-step guide to the Leaving Certificate set-works. Highlighting key themes and sections and presented with musical illustrations, this will conclude with a full orchestral performance.

MUSICAL ADVENTURES

MUSICAL ADVENTURES

Tuesday 16 April 2024, 10:30am & 12:25pm Tickets: €10 student. Accompanying teachers go free.

Jessie Grimes, presenter • David Brophy, conductor The National Symphony Orchestra’s fun concerts for children aged 8-12 return with inspirational presenter Jessie Grimes and conductor-extraordinaire David Brophy as engaging guides to a world of musical excitement, fantasy, romance and vibrant colour. Included in the ticket price will be programme notes for children and teachers, and lesson plans for teachers, both of which will be given out at the concert.

Tuesday 20 February 2024, 10:30am & 12:25pm 64

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Tickets: €10 student. Accompanying teachers go free.

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National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024

Savings and discounts Buy all at once Buy 3 or more concerts at once – and enjoy discounts ranging from 5% to 25%.

Full season

10-15 concerts

5-9 concerts

3-4 concerts

Cinema Package1

SAVE

25%

15%

10%

5%

10%

Exclusive priority booking period

4

Keep the same seat from previous season

4

NSO Subscriber Card entitling you to: • 10% discount at The Terrace Café2 • €1 discount on 2023–24 season programmes3

4 4

4 4

4 4

4 4

15% discount for a maximum of 2 tickets on any other NSO concerts.

4

and other benefits to be announced. 1. Cinema Package: Book all 3 Live Screening in Concert for 10% discount 2. Applies to NSO 2023–2024 Season brochure concerts only 3. Applies to NSO 2023–2024 Season brochure concerts only

Save as you go

€10 Student Special

Buy 3 concerts separately and receive a discount on other concerts booked in the season. Terms and conditions apply.

€10 student tickets available for all performances. Subject to availability.

Concessions Limited concessions available for students, unwaged and senior citizens. Terms and conditions apply. See page 68.

Friday night concerts are broadcast live on RTÉ lyric Live, presented by Paul Herriott on RTÉ lyric fm. Listen live or listen back: www.rte.ie/lyricfm/lyric-live

Group bookings 10% discount available for groups of 10 or more people. Terms and conditions apply. See page 68.

PLEASE NOTE:

WHERE LIFE SOUNDS BETTER

ZONE D For selected performances the Choir Balcony will be excluded from sale. Choir Balcony Package buyers will be accommodated in the Main Auditorium as part of their package.

96–99fm | On Mobile | rte.ie/lyricfm

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NCH SEATING PLAN

National Symphony Orchestra 2023/2024

NCH Seating plan

Choir Balcony

Organ

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(stage height: 95cm/3ft.)

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SPECIAL ASSISTANCE Seating is available for wheelchair users and their companions. Early booking is advisable. Please contact the National Concert Hall box office. For those who are hard of hearing please indicate this when booking your seats with the box office to benefit from the National Concert Hall’s induction loop system.

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GROUP BOOKING Discounts available when booking for 10 people or more. Please contact NCH Booking Office on 01 4170000.

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Ticket exchange is not available retrospectively. Any surplus amount must be paid at the time of exchange.

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In order to exchange tickets, the Box Office must be notified no later than 12pm on the day of the concert you wish to exchange from.

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TICKET EXCHANGE Exchanging tickets between other concerts in this current National Symphony Orchestra season can be done, subject to availability.

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METHODS OF PAYMENT All major credit/debit cards accepted. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The National Concert Hall’.

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BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS 10am - 6pm Monday to Friday 2 hours prior to Main Stage concerts on weekends and Bank Holidays.

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In person At the National Concert Hall box office.

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Telephone booking 01 417 0000 Monday to Friday (10am to 2pm)

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Please note: Packages can also be booked online.

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Online booking www.nch.ie

CONCESSIONS Limited concessions available for students, unwaged and senior citizens. Terms and conditions apply. Early booking advisable. ID required. One concession ticket per person. Concessions not requested at the time of booking cannot be applied later.

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HOW TO BOOK

Red Side Balcony

How to book

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NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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Booking nch.ie • 01 417 0000 For more information on the National Symphony Orchestra please visit nch.ie


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