RTÉ Concert Orchestra May/June 2026
A Star Wars Spectacular in Limerick, Waterford and Dublin
A Star Wars Spectacular in Limerick, Waterford and Dublin,
Celebrating the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth,
and the music of The Beach Boys in Limerick and Dublin
May the Fourth Be With You – A Star Wars Spectacular
Thursday 7 May, 7.30pm – University Concert Hall, Limerick
Friday 8 May, 7.30pm – SETU, Waterford
Saturday 9 May, 7.30pm – National Concert Hall, Dublin
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Stephen Bell, conductor
May the Fourth Be With You! The RTÉ Concert Orchestra brings their Star Wars celebration to Limerick, Waterford and Dublin, conducted by Stephen Bell, who himself played Horn on two of the Star Wars films with John Williams.
Join us for a programme of intergalactic menace and triumph spanning all three film trilogies: with music from the original trilogy (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi), the prequel trilogy (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith), and the sequel trilogy (The Rise of Skywalker). The orchestra performs magnificent renditions of Duel of the Fates, Yoda’s Theme, Princess Leia’s Theme and more.
Calling Star Wars fans young and old: this is where the fun begins! Join us in Limerick, Waterford and Dublin for the ultimate May the Fourth extravaganza.
Limerick tickets, here
Waterford tickets, here
Dublin tickets, here
The Great Romantics
Friday 15 May, 7.30pm – St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Patrick Rafter
The Marble City Music Festival is thrilled to welcome one of Ireland’s most prestigious national ensembles, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, in collaboration with internationally acclaimed violinist Patrick Rafter.
This sweeping programme celebrates the passion and lyricism of the Romantic era. Rafter takes to the podium to conduct before directing from the violin in a night of orchestral maserpieces and dramatic intensity.
At the heart of the evening lies music by Puccini, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Mascagni, Amy Beach and Rossini – masterworks that move from intimate lyricism to operatic grandeur and sparkling theatrical brilliance.
Set within the magnificent surroundings of St Canice’s Cathedral, this promises to be an unforgettable night of music-making at the highest level.
This concert forms part of an ongoing artistic collaboration between Patrick Rafter and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, following performances together earlier this year and ahead of a forthcoming recording project for release later this year: a partnership dedicated to depth, vitality and artistic ambition.
Tickets here
Family concert: Pirates Ahoy!
Saturday 16 May, 1.30pm – National Concert Hall, Dublin
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Alasdair Malloy, presenter
Awesome Alasdair, the cabin boy of our Pirate Ship, welcomes you aboard this suitably swashbuckling seafaring adventure with the Arrr! RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
From the stirring sounds of Leroy Anderson’s Pirate March to the spectacular finale where everyone learns The Sailor’s Hornpipe, this is an unforgettable voyage through uncharted waters in search of a treasure trove of musical gems.
In this special family concert, hear about pirates hiding their treasure in Fingal’s Cave, head off Over the Waves to the Caribbean and sing about the Jamaican Rumba. Encounter Cap’n Jack Sparrow in music from the Pirates of the Caribbean films and test your nautical knowledge in our quiz Nautical Notes.
Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Tickets NCH, here
Marilyn Monroe 100
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Stephen Bell conductor
Katie Birtill vocalist
The RTÉ Concert Orchestra celebrates the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, under the baton of Stephen Bell, joined by singer Katie Birtill.
With music that defined Marilyn’s career from Some Like it Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and There’s No Business Like Show Business, experience the glamour of the silver screen and relive some of the star’s best moments through live concert.
Katie Birtill sings pieces from Ladies of The Chorus, Niagra, How to Marry a Millionaire, River Of No Return, Seven Year Itch, and Bus Stop, joining the orchestra for hits like “Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend” and “I Wanna Be Loved By You” to honour what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday on June 1.
“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius” and the music of MM is magnificent.
Tickets NCH, here
Pipeworks Festival
June 10th
Details available soon
Carlow Choral Society: Mendelssohn’s Elijah
June 12th
Details available soon
The Beach Boys
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Richard Balcombe, conductor
Patrick Smyth, Stuart Matthew Price, Graham Bickley, Jon Boydon, Steve Trowell, vocalists
The RTÉ Concert Orchestra perform the music of The Beach Boys, including Pet Sounds in its entirety. Experience the intimate harmonies born out of the Wilson brothers, Mike Love and Al Jardine, expanded by orchestra and joined by star vocalists Patrick Smyth, Stuart Matthew Price, Graham Bickley, Jon Boydon and Steve Trowell, all under conductor Richard Balcombe.
Released in 1966, Pet Sounds ranks among the greatest albums of all time. The RTÉ CO perform the iconic album all the way through, including all-time favourites God Only Knows and Wouldn’t It Be Nice. This programme also features Beach Boys hits from doo-wop to surf pop like I Get Around, Barbara Ann, Don’t Worry Baby and In My Room.
With arrangements, instrumentation and production that was groundbreaking in the ’60s, enjoy the symphonic sound of California sunshine with full orchestral power.
Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, GRB Concerts and University Concert Hall Limerick, as part of the Limerick Summer Proms
Limerick tickets, here
Dublin tickets, here
UPCOMING EVENTS
