RTÉ Concert Orchestra November/ December 2026

Mari Samuelsen, Home Alone, New Year's Eve and more

This November-December, join the RTÉ CO with renowned violinist Mari Samuelsen,
see sold-out sensations including Sunday Miscellany, Home Alone and Celine Byrne,
and the soul of New York at New Year’s Eve

Mari Samuelsen and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra: Vivaldi Recomposed

Saturday 7 November – Knock Basilica
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Renowned Norwegian superstar violinist Mari Samuelsen joins the RTÉ Concert Orchestra for what promises to be an unforgettable evening at the Knock Basilica.
Known for her dynamic artistry and genre-blurring performances, Samuelsen will perform Max Richter’s Vivaldi Recomposed – The Four Seasons, a bold reimagining of Vivaldi’s classic that has captivated audiences worldwide. Richter’s work is both familiar and strikingly new – brought vividly to life through Samuelsen’s expressive interpretation and the powerful sound of the orchestra.
Also featured on the programme is a collection of minimalist contemporary music from Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass and more. Arvo Pärt’s Fratres (“brothers”) takes us through a sublime simmering of emotions, while Glass by Hania Rani (© Bosworth Music GmbH) offers a kaleidoscopic exploration of the strings. Philip Glass’ Echorus was “inspired by thoughts of compassion” and this theme of serenity and sensitivity runs through the programme, and Samuelsen’s emotive playing.
Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Knock Basilica
Tickets here

Mari Samuelsen and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra: Philip Glass/ John Williams

Thursday 12 November – National Concert Hall, Dublin
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Patrik Ringborg conductor
An exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist, Samuelsen returns following multiple sold-out performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Reimagined in the NCH, and at festivals All Together Now, Galway International Arts Festival and Kilkenny Arts Festival – this time, with a blockbuster programme, conducted by celebrated Swedish conductor Patrik Ringborg.
The dynamic violinist joins the RTÉ CO for Philip Glass’ hypnotic Violin Concerto No. 1, as heard in Emmanuel Carrere’s La Moustache (2005). Built on a foundation of looping and building arpeggios, Glass’ popular Concerto was composed in 1987 for his late father: “let me write a piece that my father would have liked”.
John Williams’ soundtracks from E.T., Star Wars and Harry Potter also feature in the programme. Samuelsen will feature as soloist in the theme from Schindler’s List – remorseful, powerful and perfectly suited to her emotive and expressive style – and in the Chairman’s Waltz from Memoirs of a Geisha.
The theme from Jurassic Park and the Raiders’ March from Raiders of the Lost Ark bring dramatic energy to a kaleidoscopic programme of nostalgia and adventure.
“The rapport between Samuelsen and the orchestra was superb” (Bachtrack, 2024). Witness the synergy of this incredible partnership across sweeping cinematic repertoire.
Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Tickets here

Britten’s War Requiem

Friday 27 November – National Concert Hall, Dublin
National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
Anja Bihlmaier conductor
Ailish Tynan soprano
Laurence Kilsby tenor
Joshua Hopkins baritone
National Symphony Chorus Ireland
David Young chorus director
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Choristers of St Patrick’s Cathedral
Stuart Nicholson Master of the Music
A towering masterpiece of the 20th century, Britten’s pacifist masterpiece was written to mark the re-opening of Coventry Cathedral in 1962 after the destructive damage during the Second World War. Among the greatest settings of a liturgical text, it combines the Latin Mass with the poems on the horrors of war, by British soldier and poet Wilfred Owen and has been described as “an enormous contraption of musical ingenuity” and “devastating and unforgettable” (The Guardian).
It remains a deeply relevant meditation on conflict and reconciliation. A tribute to Benjamin Britten in the 50th anniversary year of his death, it will be performed by National Symphony Orchestra Ireland with National Symphony Chorus Ireland, Choristers of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and RTÉ Concert Orchestra, together with soloists soprano Ailish Tynan, tenor Laurence Kilsby, and baritone Joshua Hopkins, under the expert direction of Anja Bihlmaier. War Requiem endures as one of the most powerful and relevant musical works of the 20th century.
Presented by NCH
Tickets here

Sunday Miscellany Celebrates Christmas with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Thursday 3 December – National Concert Hall, Dublin
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Gavin Maloney conductor
Paul Howard, John Toal, Neil Hegarty, Olivia O’Leary, Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha and more
Sunday Miscellany is a gem in the RTÉ Radio 1 schedule. Since the programme’s first broadcast in 1968, it has built its own space for listeners to escape to on Sunday morning, with the very best of new writing and complementary music.
In recent years, Sunday Miscellany and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra have come together to bring this magic to audiences in live Christmas concerts, creating a beloved seasonal tradition in Dublin.
Each year an eclectic range of great musical artists and speakers join the RTÉ Concert Orchestra for an evening of music and creative writing at its best. This year’s line-up will include novelists Paul Howard, John Toal, Neil Hegarty, Olivia O’Leary, Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha and more.
This concert will be featured in the RTÉ Radio 1 Christmas schedule. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment!
Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and RTÉ Radio 1
Sold out

Dublin Simon – Sing for Simon

Sunday 6 December – The Helix, Dublin
Details to follow
Tickets on sale soon

Our Lady’s Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

Monday 7 December, Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Our Lady’s Choral Society
Klaartje Van Veldhoven soprano
Sharon Carty alto
Richard Resch tenor
Padraic Rowan bass
Proinnsias Ó Duinn conductor
Our Lady’s Choral Society presents a magnificent performance of Handel’s Messiah at the National Concert Hall with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by Proinnsias Ó Duinn and wonderful soloists; soprano Klaartje Van Veldhoven, alto Sharon Carty, tenor Richard Resch, bass Padraic Rowan.
Christmas starts here… to avoid disappointment, early booking is advisable for these sell-out performances
Tickets here

Celine’s Christmas Celebration

Monday 14 December – Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Over the last two years Celine has delivered phenomenal performances on stage at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre including Irish National Opera’s LA BOHÉME, MADAMA BUTTERFLY and DER ROSENKAVALIER and in 2027 is set to thrill audiences once more with a fresh new production of Turandot from INO.
Celine has performed extensively throughout Europe, the United States, China, Russia, and Mexico, in venues such as Carnegie Hall, New York, the Royal Opera House, and Covent Garden. She has sung with world-renowned tenors José Carreras, Placido Domingo, Roberto Alagna, and Andrea Bocelli.
Presented by Celine Byrne
Tickets here

Home Alone in Concert

Sunday 20 December & Monday 21 December
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Dublin Gospel Choir
The complete film will be shown on the big screen while the iconic, Oscar®-nominated score by legendary composer John Williams is performed live to picture, creating a spectacular cinematic and musical experience for audiences of all ages.
For more than three decades, Home Alone has been a Christmas tradition for generations of families, with Kevin McCallister’s hilarious battle against two hapless burglars becoming synonymous with the festive season. This special event brings together the film, a live orchestra and choir, and a unique opportunity for audiences to hear directly from Macaulay Culkin.
From the opening notes of John Williams’ instantly recognisable score to the unforgettable ‘Somewhere in My Memory’, the music of Home Alone has become an essential part of the film’s enduring Christmas magic. Performed live to picture by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Dublin Gospel Choir, the celebrated score will add a spectacular new dimension to the much-loved movie.
And when the end credits roll, the evening will continue with a very special opportunity for fans to hear directly from the star of the film. Macaulay Culkin will join live from Los Angeles for an exclusive conversation, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and memories from the making of Home Alone and his experience of playing the unforgettable Kevin McCallister. The conversation will be moderated live on stage at 3Arena by Ruth Scott.
Presented by Home Alone in Concert
Sunday 20 December sold out – Monday 21 December tickets here

The Soul of New York at New Year’s Eve

Thursday 31 December
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Guy Barker
Ring in the New Year with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Guy Barker as we head on a spiritual musical journey through New York – from the Apollo Theater to Times Square, and from Radio City Music Hall to The Ritz.
Join us for a gritty, soulful New Year’s Eve celebration inspired by the artists who shaped the sound of the city that never sleeps. With the RTÉ CO and special guest vocalists, enjoy powerhouse performances of music made famous by Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, James Brown, Gladys Knight and more.
Hear Ray Charles’ swinging Hit the Road Jack, Aretha Franklin’s (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, and James Brown’s I Got You (I Feel Good) to embody the swagger and spirit of New York on New Year’s Eve.
Through funk, soul and R&B music orchestrated, we capture the same energy of iconic past New Year’s Eve performances across the city – from Janet Jackson at Madison Square Garden and Joan Jett at The Ritz to New Yorkers Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall and most recently Billy Joel – making New York at New Year’s Eve a spectacle of song.
Join us for a funky, New York infused celebration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Guy Barker, full of vibrant storytelling and the ultimate soundtrack to welcome 2027.
Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Tickets here