The BBC Radio 3 institution that is Friday Night Is Music Night is coming to Belfast to join in our 60th anniversary celebrations! Anna Handler leads the festivities in a programme that will be a celebration of symphonic music with Celtic roots, from around the British Isles and across Europe. Join the BBC to raise a glass to our 60th.

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Ulster Orchestra: Celtic Symphonies

Ulster Hall

BBC Radio 3's Concert: Spring, Song and celebration is coming to Ulster Hall on 18 August 2026!

BBC Radio 3 Concert:

Conductors Chorus – Katrina Keat, conductor (Doctoral Recital)

Auer Hall

CMSCVA honors the 150-anniversary year of British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor with a concert of his music and that of his friends and teachers. The program includes Coleridge-Taylor’s jubilant Nonet, and the ultimate friendship tribute piece, Elgar’s “Enigma” Variations, in an arrangement by CMSCVA Artistic Director James Wilson.

Circle Of Friends

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond

To mark the final day of the Egerton Music Festival, ten members of The Sixteen will perform a special programme drawing on the connection of spoken word, with poetry by Rosetti, Wordsworth, Shelley and T S Eliot, accompanying the music of Byrd, Palestrina, Hildegard, Finzi, Sheppard and Stanford.

Good night, good night beloved: Egerton

St James' Church, Egerton

Concert Chorale

The University of Texas at Austin

Featuring beautiful Celtic melodies along with some humor on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Celtic Salute

Washington University in St. Louis

Join the Peoria Symphony Orchestra for an enchanting evening of Irish music at the "Faith and Begorrah" concert. This special event, conducted by George Stelluto and featuring the exceptional talents of percussionist Cynthia Yeh, will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater, located at 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, Illinois 61602.

The evening will commence with the lobby opening at 6:30 pm, followed by the concert beginning at 7:30 pm. The program includes a captivating lineup of compositions that celebrate the rich musical heritage of Ireland, including Joan Trimble's "Suite for Strings," Jesse Montgomery's "Procession for Solo Percussion," Charles Villiers Stanford's "Irish Rapsody No. 1, Op. 7," and Leroy Anderson's "Irish Suite."

Cynthia Yeh, renowned for her role as principal percussionist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since June 2007, brings her extraordinary skills to the forefront of this performance. With a rich background that includes serving as principal percussionist for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and holding degrees from the University of British Columbia and Temple University, Yeh's participation promises to elevate the evening's musical offerings.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an unforgettable experience of Irish music and culture with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at "Faith and Begorrah." Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and rhythms of Ireland, performed by some of the most talented musicians in the field.

Faith and Begorrah

Peoria Civic Center Theater

### Enigma Variations Concert

**Date:** Sunday, 10 November 2024  
**Time:** 2:45 pm  
**Venue:** Assembly Hall, Worthing  
**Conductor:** John Gibbons  
**Leader:** Julian Leaper  

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of classical music at the Assembly Hall in Worthing, featuring the celebrated "Enigma Variations" by Edward Elgar. This masterpiece, which solidified Elgar's reputation as one of Britain's greatest composers, offers a brilliant portrayal of his friends and acquaintances, blending tender, humorous, and bombastic elements with noble affection.

**Program:**
- **Stanford - Irish Rhapsody No. 1:** In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Stanford’s death, the Worthing Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will perform this brilliant piece, which includes the famous Londonderry Air.
- **Butterworth - A Shropshire Lad:** A beloved orchestral rhapsody based on Butterworth's song cycle setting of A. E. Houseman's poems.
- **R. Strauss - Oboe Concerto:** Featuring the debut of the brilliant young oboist Armand Djikoloum. This concerto, composed during the final years of Strauss's life, was inspired by a young American G.I. who visited the composer in Bavaria at the end of World War II.
- **Jessy L Reason - Lament:** World Premiere of this evocative piece.
- **Elgar - Enigma Variations:** The highlight of the concert, showcasing Elgar's genius in capturing the essence of his friends through music.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience a rich tapestry of orchestral music under the baton of John Gibbons, with Julian Leaper leading the ensemble. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable musical journey.

**[Buy Tickets](#)**

Enigma Variations

Assembly Hall Theatre

Upon Graduation in 1994, he took up the post of Assistant Organist at Southwell Minster and co-founded the Southwell Minster Chorale. For eight years he directed the Chorale in Southwell and further afield. Active as a recitalist, he has performed throughout the United Kingdom, in many cathedrals and concert halls, including Westminster Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, and King’s College, Cambridge. In September 2000 he was a finalist in the prestigious Royal College of Organists’ Performer of the Year award, performing with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Rumon Gamba. He won many recital awards, including performances at St John’s, Smith Square and at the Dublin International Organ and Choral Festival.

Binns Organ - Anniversary Recital

Albert Hall, Manchester

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of opera at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024, featuring a standout production of Charles Villiers Stanford's "The Critic." This enchanting opera, sung in English with English surtitles, promises an unforgettable experience with its fully-staged presentation. Based on the libretto by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, "The Critic" first graced the stage in 1916 at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, showcasing the combined Dublin-born talents of Stanford and Sheridan, who both found their fame in England.

Set against the backdrop of the O'Reilly Theatre at the National Opera House, this production brings to life the satirical edge of Sheridan's work, under the baton of conductor Ciarán McAuley and the visionary direction of Conor Hanratty. The story unfolds on the stage of a theatre during the rehearsal of a new opera, "The Spanish Armada," with the characters navigating the complexities of love, loyalty, and artistic endeavor amidst the threat of a Spanish invasion.

The cast features a blend of emerging and established talents, including Tony Brennan as Lord Burleigh, Rory Dunne as the Governor of Tilbury Fort, Gyula Nagy as Earl of Leicester, and Ava Dodd as Tilburina, among others. Each performer brings depth and nuance to their roles, promising a production rich in vocal excellence and dramatic flair.

"The Critic" will be performed on select dates between October 19 and November 1, 2024, offering audiences a chance to experience Stanford's penultimate opera, hailed as one of his finest works. With tickets available for priority booking from April 24, 2024, for Friends of the Festival, this is an opportunity to partake in a historic piece of opera that bridges humor with the grandeur of operatic tradition.

Prepare for an evening of exquisite music, compelling drama, and the timeless wit of "The Critic" at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024.

The Critic

National Opera House

Those familiar with Polyphony’s annual sell-out performances of Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St John Passion at Sinfonia Smith Square will not want to miss this special concert, which follows a performance of the same programme at the Tetbury Music Festival.

The Romantic English

Smith Square Hall

Continuing his residency, James McVinnie offers a programme that celebrates music of flair and fantasy on the Royal Festival Hall’s historic organ.

James McVinnie: Fantasias

Southbank Centre

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with Peterborough Male Voice Choir and Peterborough Voices, present a breathtaking programme of British music in the the spectacular setting of Peterborough Cathedral, including works by Vaughan Williams, Holst and Elgar.

Classics at the Cathedral

Peterborough Cathedral

One of Britain’s best-loved choirs, The Sixteen – under Harry Christophers – returns to the Proms on Choral Day for some of the most serene and spiritual choral works written in England during the Victorian period – music in line with this ensemble’s singular combination of style and beauty, blend and expression.

Prom 63: Choral Day - The Sixteen

Royal Albert Hall

Join us for an evening of profound musical reflection at the Three Choirs Festival: Venables’s Requiem, set within the historic and awe-inspiring Worcester Cathedral on Friday, 2nd August 2024, at 7:30 pm. This event promises an unforgettable experience as we present Ian Venables’s Requiem, a masterpiece that intertwines entrancing melodies with the poignant themes of comfort and remembrance. The composition draws inspiration from the timeless works of Howells and Vaughan Williams, creating a space for contemplation and solace.

The evening will also feature the Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir, showcasing their vocal talents in Cecilia McDowall’s Shipping Forecast, a piece that captures the majesty and power of the sea, marking the centenary of the shipping forecast's first broadcast. Additionally, in celebration of Stanford’s anniversary year, we present Jeremy Dibble’s new arrangement of the Sonata for String Orchestra, derived from movements of Stanford’s string quartets.

Under the baton of conductor Adrian Partington, with Ben Cooper as the narrator, the program promises a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions. The concert spans approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including an interval, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the music.

Tickets are priced between £15 and £58, offering a range of seating options to accommodate all attendees. For further information and to secure your tickets once sales open, please contact the Three Choirs Festival Box Office at 01452 768928 or email info3choirs.org.

Do not miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and depth of Venables’s Requiem, a work that resonates with the universal themes of life, loss, and eternal hope.

Three Choirs Festival: Venables's Requiem

Worcester Cathedral

Immerse yourself in a night of ethereal music and compelling performances at the Three Choirs Festival: Stanford’s Stabat Mater, taking place at the majestic Worcester Cathedral on Saturday, 27 July 2024, at 7.30pm. This event promises an unforgettable experience as the Philharmonia brings to life a selection of works that span the emotional spectrum of classical music.

Under the baton of conductor Samuel Hudson, the evening will feature the talents of Rebecca Hardwick (soprano), Marta Fontanals-Simmons (mezzo-soprano), Nicky Spence (tenor), and Themba Mvula (baritone), alongside the harmonious voices of the Three Choirs Festival Chorus and the Worcester Cathedral Choristers.

The programme will open with Grace-Evangeline Mason’s "The Imagined Forest," a mesmerizing musical portrayal of a vibrant woodland, followed by Holst’s "Hymn of Jesus," a piece that offers a joyful yet profound response to the sorrows of the First World War. The highlight of the evening, Stanford's "Stabat Mater," promises a moving journey through the Passion and the sorrows of Mary, culminating in a message of hope and redemption.

Tickets are priced between £15 and £68, offering a range of options for attendees. The performance will last approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an interval, making for an evening filled with beauty, reflection, and inspiration.

For more information or to purchase tickets once they go on sale, please contact the Three Choirs Festival Box Office at 01452 768928 or email info3choirs.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a truly magical evening at one of the UK’s most revered music festivals.

Three Choirs Festival: Stanford’s Stabat Mater

The Irish Youth Choir, under Artistic Director Bernie Sherlock, is made up of Ireland's finest young singers between the ages of 18-28. It has been an important part of Irish musical life since 1982. Singers are recruited by audition, and meet during the summer course and workshop weekends throughout the year. It offers an electic advanced repertoire, inspiring and empowering young Irish singers with careful vocal and stylistic preparation in a good atmosphere, while instilling a life-long love of music. Alumni of the Irish Youth Choir have proceeded to become some of Ireland’s best conductors, choir founders, singers, teachers, and musicians.

Irish Youth Choir with Sing Ireland

Royal Irish Academy of Music

Join us for an enchanting summer evening with the "London By Night St Clement's Community Choir" at the historic Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, on Saturday, 13th July 2024, at 7:30 pm. This special concert promises a delightful celebration of music for voices and piano, featuring a diverse and joyful program that brings together the St Clement’s Community Choir, supporters, local community, friends, and guests in a harmonious gathering.

Under the baton of conductor Emily Dickens, the choir will perform a captivating selection of pieces, including works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Charles Villiers Stanford, Thomas Morley, Alexander L’Estrange, Elaine Hagenberg, and Eric Whitacre, alongside traditional arrangements and contemporary classics from ABBA, Dusty Springfield, and more. The evening will be a celebration of diversity in thought, music, and community, reflecting the choir's ethos of welcoming all singers, regardless of their experience, from the EC1 area and beyond.

Tickets are priced at £15, with a concession rate of £12, and a booking fee of £1.50 per online or phone transaction. The concert is expected to conclude at approximately 9 pm, though timings are subject to change.

For those interested in attending, tickets can be booked online at lso.co.uk, by phone on +44 20 7870 2500 (Monday to Friday, 12-5:30 pm), or in person at the Barbican Centre. Members of the Barbican’s Access Scheme can book wheelchair places at the lowest price for the event and secure a free companion seat.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the uplifting power of community and music in the heart of London.

London By Night – St Clement's Community Choir

St Luke's Lutheran Church

Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) soloists on the International Artist Diploma course perform under the batons of RNCM student conductors with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. This afternoon will no doubt be a defining experience at the start of their already illustrious careers.

RNCM International Artist Diploma Finals

MediaCityUK

Martin Yates conducts the BBC Concert Orchestra at the English Music Festival, which celebrates Britain's rich musical heritage by showcasing the brilliance, innovation and beauty of English music.

BBC Concert Orchestra at The English Music Festival

Dorchester Abbey

Daniel Hyde conducts the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Bach Choir, live from King's College, Cambridge, in music by Stanford, Vaughan Williams and Parry.

Easter at King's

University of Cambridge

Enjoy the lively rhythms, beauty and recognizable tunes of Celtic music, from “Danny Boy” to Riverdance, with BMSO’s Ross Baumgardner on bagpipes and Dr. Maureen Murchie on solo violin.

Charles Villiers Stanford

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 20, 2027

Winchester Philharmonic Choir: Brahms Requiem · London Mozart Players

Past events

Nov 6, 2026

Ulster Orchestra: Celtic Symphonies · Ulster Hall

Aug 18, 2026

BBC Radio 3 Concert: · Ulster Hall

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