Piano Fest Opening Concert/ David Quigley and Finghin Collins
Newry Chamber Music launches its inaugural Piano Fest with a vibrant opening concert featuring David Quigley and Finghin Collins in their first-ever performance together — performing on two magnificent Steinway Model D concert grand pianos. The concert features two world premieres by leading Irish composers Philip Martin and Sam Perkin and culminates in a performance of Rachmaninov's electrifying Symphonic Dances which is sure to raise the roof of Newry's magnificent Town Hall. Be there for a first in this iconic building!
* The pianos for tonight's concert are kindly on loan from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Ulster Orchestra.
‘Gather Around for Stories and Sound’
A Narrated Piano-Duet Concert for Children featuring Poulenc’s story of Babar the Elephant and Ravel’s magical Mother Goose Suite.
Finghin Collins and David Quigley piano
Séamus O Hara narrator
Piano Masterclass with Steven Osborne
Internationally acclaimed pianist Steven Osborne joins us to lead a public masterclass for gifted young pianists. This is an amazing opportunity for the participants and piano teachers and enthusiasts alike.
Please email us at concerts@newrychambermusic.org if you would like to be considered to particiapate in the masterclass.
Open Keys at the Quays!
Join us at the Newry Chamber Music Hub at the Quays for an open-mic piano concert. A fantastic opportunity for pianists of all ages to share their music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
If you are interested in performing please email us at concerts@newrychambermusic.org
Performance slots are limited and will be allocated on a first come/first served basis. Performers do not need to purchase a ticket for this event.
Leonard Bernstein reimagined with the Rob Barron Trio and Georgia Cécile
Leonard Bernstein was one of the titans of music making in the 20th century. His timeless compositions for choirs, soloists and orchestras remain essential parts of the musical canon along with the many great songs he wrote that have now become jazz standards. Among his most memorable creations are his extensive musical theatre compositions of which “West Side Story” is the most famous.
Giving voice to this wide collection, in his original and most creative manner comes Rob Barron with his trio, a creative jazz pianist, who recognises that Bernstein’s imaginative creations give themselves generously to an updated and improvised interpretation. Rob devotes the first half to “West Side Story”, whilst the second half captures a wide range of music from Bernstein’s “Candide”, “On The Town”, 'Wonderful Town”, “A Quiet Place” and more.
Sunday morning Jazz concert with Rob Barron Piano
Join us for a warm and uplifting Sunday-morning solo jazz piano concert celebrating the Great American Songbook. The programme features timeless works by George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hart, and other Broadway masters whose songs have become enduring jazz standards. Several pieces will be heard in new solo piano arrangements created especially for this performance, blending rich harmonies, lyrical improvisation, and a personal touch. The morning performance will also feature a specially crafted solo piano version of Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue. A relaxed and engaging musical journey through some of the most treasured melodies ever written.
Jazz Piano Masterclass
Join London based jazz pianist Rob Barron for a practical and inspiring jazz masterclass designed for beginner and intermediate musicians. This session explores the essentials of jazz harmony, how to approach a standard with clear and effective phrasing, accompaniment and voicing techniques for pianists and simple improvisation tools using accessible jazz scales. Participants will learn how to bring musicality, colour, and confidence to their playing. The class also includes guided listening recommendations to help build a strong foundation in jazz style and vocabulary. A relaxed, supportive workshop perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of jazz and develop stronger improvisational skills.
Festival Finale – Reflections on the Waltz
Leading British pianist Steven Osborne takes our inaugural piano festival to a glittering close with a beautifully crafted programme of music with the waltz at the heart of it. The festival culminates with Schubert’s mighty sonata in Bb major.