The best upcoming performances at the National Concert Hall

Dublin’s National Concert Hall regularly plays host to some of the best and brightest stars from the world of music, and January and February are set to be no exception. For those seeking to kickstart 2018 by indulging their love of the creative arts, a trip to Dublin could be just the boost you need. Here’s our rundown of the best shows and performances coming up early this year…

RTE National Symphony Orchestra Petrushka

Friday 19th January 7:30 pm/ Main Stage

Performing a combination of works by Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky and Australian composer Brett Dean, this performance by the RTE National Symphony Orchestra shows the true storytelling ability of music in its purest form. Stravinsky’s Petrushka is the centrepiece of the event, fusing the dual Russian traditions of folk music and puppetry into a ‘ballet burlesque’ which has been thrilling audiences since the early 20th century. Rachmaninoff’s The Isle of the Dead is a memorable musical masterpiece with a fluid, hypnotic quality, performed here with a passion. Brett Dean’s 2004 Viola Concerto rounds off the evening with a melancholic viola and orchestra composition sure to delight music-loving guests staying at the O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel.

Complete Beethoven Cycle RTE Contempo Quartet

11th February 3 pm/ Kevin Barry Recital Room

The influence of Beethoven’s musical repertoire is explored in great detail through this performance of Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 5, Op. 18 No. 5 in A, alongside a performance of Irish composer Ina Boyle’s String Quartet in E Minor. This gentle harmonic piece from 1934 rests comfortably alongside the creative tension of Beethoven’s music, to create an afternoon performance not to be missed.

RTE National Symphony Orchestra 70th Anniversary Celebration

16th February 7:30pm / Main Stage

Ideally situated for guests of hotels near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, this celebration of the 70th birthday of the RTE National Symphony Orchestra provides an operatic evening of music with soprano Orla Boylan, pianist Finghin Collins and conductor Gerhard Markson. They will perform three very special pieces: Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde, Dierdre Gibbon’s The Binging Years of Piano, and excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet to a room of music fans.

Czech Philarmonic Family Concert Jonathan James presenter & conductor

18th February 3 pm/ Main Stage

This family concert is perfect for visitors of all ages to the O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel. Exploring Dvorak’s The Golden Spinning Wheel, a musical interpretation of a famed Czech folk tale, the show will take attendees on a journey and leave them with a new enthusiasm for the music and the talents of the Czech Philharmonic.

The Vanbrugh & Michael McHale Piano Quartets

11th March 3 pm/ Kevin Barry Recital Room

Piano-loving music fans will adore watching one of Ireland’s top piano recitalists, Michael McHale join the National Concert Hall and the Vanburgh for an afternoon concert of chamber music, including classics by Mozart, Brahms and Schuman. With Keith Pascoe on the violin, Simon Aspell on viola and Christopher Marwood on cello, there are few better events for relaxing classical music in Dublin.