Friday 15th May 2026
Location: St. Canice’s Cathedral, R95 V63H
The Great Romantics
Friday 15 May | 7:30pm | St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny City

An evening of sweeping passion and radiant lyricism as the distinguished RTÉ Concert Orchestra joins forces with conductor Patrick Rafter for a celebration of the great Romantic tradition.

At the heart of the programme is music from Manon Lescaut by Giacomo Puccini — sumptuous, dramatic and overflowing with soaring melody. The luminous serenity of The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams offers a moment of timeless beauty, while Edward Elgar’s Salut d’Amour and Sospiri bring intimate warmth and expressive depth.

Following the interval, the moving Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana by Pietro Mascagni unfolds with glowing intensity, Amy Beach’s richly expressive Romance adds late-Romantic colour, and the evening concludes in sparkling brilliance with Rossini’s overture to The Barber of Seville.

Part of an ongoing artistic collaboration between Patrick Rafter and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, this concert promises orchestral colour, emotional depth and unforgettable musical drama.

Free parking
Wheelchair Accessible
Tickets from just 17.50 Euro
St. Canices’s Cathedral – one of Ireland’s most historic buildings
🎶 A powerful, passionate celebration of live music-making — iconic masterpieces performed by world-class musicians.

🎟️ Early booking recommended.
Organisers Website

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