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.
Jazz Piano Masterclass
Join London based jazz pianist Rob Barron for a practical and inspiring jazz masterclass designed for beginner and intermediate musicians of all instruments. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Piano Fest 2026
Newry Chamber Music launches its inaugural Piano Festival – a weekend celebrating the piano in all its brilliance and majesty. Featuring performances by David Quigley, Finghin Collins, Steven Osborne, Rob Barron, Georgia Cécile and narration by Séamus O Hara.
The Fews Ensemble presents: Shadows and Sunlight
As the warmth of summer envelops the landscape, join us for an unforgettable evening of piano trio masterpieces performed by David Quigley (piano), Joanne Quigley McParland (violin), and Jonathan Aasgaard (cello). This distinguished ensemble brings together three virtuosic performers in a programme that captures the the dynamic variety and colour of the trio repertoire.
Programme will include:
Haydn Op. 39 'Gypsy'
Beethoven Op 70 no. 1 'Ghost'
Shostakovich Trio No. 2
Set amidst the golden days of early summer, this concert invites you to revel in the fiery brilliance and deep expressiveness of these three iconic trios, performed by three outstanding musicians whose dynamic interplay will leave you spellbound. A perfect midsummer musical escape!
Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time
Composed in a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, Olivier Messiaen’s masterpiece speaks of hope, faith, and eternity amidst despair. Written for instruments that were on hand among the camps inmates - clarinet, violin, cello, and (himself playing) piano, the first performance took place in front of an audience of fellow prisoners, and was Messiaen's most ambitious piece to date. Eight movements, each offering distinctive and unique characteristics of Messiaen's work, they speak to this Biblical passage from Revelations:
'I saw a mighty angel descend from heaven, clad in mist; and a rainbow was upon his head. His face was like the sun, his feet like pillars of fire. He set his right foot on the sea, his left foot on the earth, and standing thus on sea and earth he lifted his hand to heaven and swore by Him who liveth for ever and ever, saying: There shall be time no longer; but on the day of the trumpet of the seventh angel, the mystery of God shall be finished.'
The Quartet for the End of Time is a breathtaking fusion of haunting beauty and spiritual depth. Step into a world where music transcends boundaries, and join us for an unforgettable performance that will move your heart and stir your soul.
The Fews Ensemble
Clarinet - Francesco Paulo Scola
Violin - Joanne Quigley McParland
Cello - Jonathan Aasgaard
Piano - David Quigley
Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time
Composed in a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, Olivier Messiaen’s masterpiece speaks of hope, faith, and eternity amidst despair. Written for instruments that were on hand among the camps inmates - clarinet, violin, cello, and (himself playing) piano, the first performance took place in front of an audience of fellow prisoners, and was Messiaen's most ambitious piece to date. Eight movements, each offering distinctive and unique characteristics of Messiaen's work, they speak to this Biblical passage from Revelations:
'I saw a mighty angel descend from heaven, clad in mist; and a rainbow was upon his head. His face was like the sun, his feet like pillars of fire. He set his right foot on the sea, his left foot on the earth, and standing thus on sea and earth he lifted his hand to heaven and swore by Him who liveth for ever and ever, saying: There shall be time no longer; but on the day of the trumpet of the seventh angel, the mystery of God shall be finished.'
The Quartet for the End of Time is a breathtaking fusion of haunting beauty and spiritual depth. Step into a world where music transcends boundaries, and join us for an unforgettable performance that will move your heart and stir your soul.
The Fews Ensemble
Clarinet - Francesco Paulo Scola
Violin - Joanne Quigley McParland
Cello - Jonathan Aasgaard
Piano - David Quigley
Music Network: Yukine Kuroki
Music Network and Newry Chamber Music present Yukine Kuroki.
Join us this March for an intimate performance featuring works by Liszt, Debussy, Stravinsky and Rachmaninoff.
A phenomenal pianist who has quickly risen to international acclaim, Yukine was winner of both the Liszt Utrecht and Dublin International Piano Competitions in 2022, and her artistry has enchanted audiences
worldwide.
Starting piano at just 3 years old and performing with her first orchestra at the age of 7, Yukine has been conquering hearts ever since, gracing stages with prestigious orchestras across the world. Her 2024/2025 season features eagerly awaited debuts at Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall and the Verbier Festival among others.
Described by Janina Fialkowska as “a true poet at the piano,” Yukine brings her exceptional talent to Music Network’s Spring concert season.