To end the autumn season, the RTÉ VQ will perform another of Haydn’s nicknamed quartets - ‘The Rider’ gets its name from the rhythms of the first and last movements. While the third movement contains an interesting song-like melody, it is the delightful second movement which is the high point of this work. The internationally renowned pianist Peter Donohoe makes a welcome return to Cork to join the quartet for Taneyev’s Piano Quintet. The most successful of Tchaikovsky’s pupils Taneyev broke with the Russian tradition and rejected all forms of nationalistic music in favour of the classical forms of Western music. His Piano Quintet is both expressive and intense from the slow introduction through to the sonorous close. This concert will also feature another selection of musical offerings from ‘Les Vendredis’.

There will be many performances of the Messiah this year, but only one that combines Ireland's most dynamic orchestra with the finest professional choir and a world class line up of soloists - making this the Messiah not to miss.
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THE Locrian Ensemble is made up of many of Ireland’s finest string musicians now working in London. They are performing a candlelit concert of Christmas music in Ireland, Wednesday December 16th, attired in lavish period costume and performed in an evocative setting. The Ensemble is well known for its attractive programmes and entertaining style of presentation.

The concert will be presented by Dr Evelyn Grant, whose daughter Jean Kelly will perform on concert harp. Jean performs regularly with the Locrian Ensemble and was the harpist on the sound track of ‘Lord of the Rings’. They will be joined by West End star soprano, Jill Washington.
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With great delight, the vocal ensemble Madrigal ’75 presents Duan Nollag, an evening of Christmas music in the Curtis Auditorium of the CIT Cork School of Music. Known for their fine, blended singing and ability to present music in a variety of styles, Madrigal ’75 joins with the group's own string ensemble, featuring music by George Frederick Handel from his timeless classic Messiah, glorious polyphony by Victoria and Palestrina and some more-familiar seasonal classics for you to enjoy in the warm company of the choir.