Green Room Jazz – Paul Dunlea and Cormac McCarthy

Paul Dunlea

Although at home in a variety of musical styles, Cork Trombonist/Composer/Arranger, Paul Dunlea concentrates primarily on Jazz and Improvisation. This has furthered his reputation as one of Irelands most in demand musicians.

Dunlea has performed/toured/recorded with the likes of Michael Bublé, Cassandra Wilson, Frankie Valli, Liam O’Maonlaoi, Mick Flannery, Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire), Bryce Dressner (The National), Lewis Nash, Peter Washington, Billy Drummond, David O’ Rourke’s O’ Rourkestra, Sachal Vadsandani, John Clayton, RTE Concert Orchestra, The Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, The New Irish Jazz Orchestra, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Hot House Big Band, Freezeroom & Brian Deady.

Dunlea is a graduate of the CIT Cork School of music holding both a bachelors degree in trombone performance and a masters degree in composition. He has held the chair of principle trombone with the Band 1 Brigade – Irish Defence Forces since 2001.

Cormac McCarthy

Cormac McCarthy is a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor from Cork, Ireland. Noted for a diverse stylistic palette, and equally at home in a variety of genres, his music is said to “defy categorisation” (Lyric FM). In 2010, having completed his Masters degree in composition at the MTU Cork School of Music, Cormac received the prestigious Bill Whelan International Music Bursary, an award earmarked for young Irish composers studying abroad. He spent a number of years living in Chicago, where he completed a Masters in Jazz Studies at DePaul University.

His compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by artists including Phil Woods, Jeff Hamilton, Mick Flannery, Martin Hayes, Andrea Corr, Niamh Regan, Dana Masters, Jack O’Rourke, The DePaul Jazz Ensemble, The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, The Irish Chamber Orchestra, The New Irish Jazz Orchestra and the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra. A new string quartet commissioned by the National String Quartet Foundation was premiered in Autumn 2021.

Cormac continues to be in demand as a composer, arranger and orchestrator in tandem with maintaining an active performance schedule. As a conductor, he has led the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, The Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra. He lectures in piano, arranging and composition at the MTU Cork School of Music, and is director of the Cork School of Music Jazz Big Band.

Cork Opera House & The Pavilion Ballygarvan present The Cork Opera House Christmas Concert

Join us at Cork Opera House for a wonderful evening of sublime festive fare.

 

The annual Cork Opera House Christmas Concert returns this December, featuring some of the seasons most beloved classics accompanied by the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra! This magical event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season, bringing together families and friends to celebrate the joyous spirit of Christmas. The concert will showcase a delightful mix of traditional carols, contemporary holiday hits, and timeless orchestral pieces that will warm your heart and lift your spirits.

Our talented performers will include renowned soloists, a charming choir, and, of course, the masterful Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, under the baton of conductor John O’Brien. Performing over the two nights on December 16 and 17 are soprano Majella Cullagh, songwriter and musician Niall McCabe, tenor Ross Scanlon, jazz legend Karen Underwood, and the dynamic Precious Abimbola, who recently starred in the Cork Opera House’s Summer Revels! These exceptional performers will be joined by MC, Declan Wolfe, as they bring their unique voices and styles to some of the most cherished songs of the season. Together, they will take you on a musical journey that captures the essence of the holiday season.

In addition to the star-studded line-up, Indie Choir will join the Glasheen Girls School Choir and the Cork Garda Male Voice Choir as special guests for the concerts, offering a perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together and experience the joy and warmth of the holiday season in a truly special setting.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Cork Opera House or a first-time visitor, this Christmas Concert is sure to leave you with cherished memories and a heart full of holiday cheer. So, gather your loved ones, don your favourite holiday attire, and join us for a night of beautiful music and festive joy.

Tickets are on sale now, and we encourage you to book early to secure your seats for this popular event. We look forward to celebrating the magic of Christmas with you at Cork Opera House!


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lightning, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Cash Returns

Europe’s No. 1 Johnny Cash & June Carter tribute Cash Returns are back and are set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the box office hit film, Walk The Line that starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reece Witherspoon.

Join JP Mac as the man in black and Karen Martin as June Carter along with this spectacular 9 piece show as they pay homage to the 2005 hit film based on the life and career of country music’s biggest star and how he met the love of his life.

The brand new show will include songs from the soundtrack of ‘Walk The Line, that will have everyone singin ‘n’ stompin in the aisles , including, ‘Ring Of Fire’, ‘Long legged Guitar Picking Man, ‘Jackson’, ‘Cry Cry Cry’, ‘Cocaine Blues’ – plus many more from the legendary couple’s huge repertoire.

Cash’s very own drummer WS ‘Fluke’ Hollandhas even expressed his adulation for JP Mac after sitting behind the Man In Black himself for 40 years by saying,

IF ANYONE HEARS JP MAC THEY WILL KNOW WHY HE IS AN AWARD WINNING JOHNNY CASH ACT – I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS GUY PLAY IN PERSON

This much revered act is the only live show that will give the full authentic Johnny Cash & June Carter experience.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Cork Opera House presents the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists Recital Series at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre

Colour flows from the woods, and the still air
Is musical with the cadence of the leaves
Singing as they fall.

Brenda Murray Draper, Autumn

As the days grow shorter, Cork Opera House brings the comfort of music from the world’s most beloved operas and art song to guide us through the cusp of Autumn with the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists’ visit to West Cork and North Cork venues this September.

Cork mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, Wexford soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson, Kildare bass-baritone Rory Dunne and Clare tenor Dean Power are joined by pianist Ciara Moroney at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre for a FREE evening recital on Tuesday 3rd September.

Delight in an early Autumn evening with music from the world’s most beloved operas. Tickets for this event are FREE, however booking is essential.

The Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists’ visit to West Cork also includes a FREE afternoon recital at Bantry Library on Wednesday 4th September, at 2PM. This is a free public recital and booking is not necessary.


Residents of Skibbereen Residential Care Centre and Retirement Village and school children in North Cork will also experience the world of opera as the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists are set to perform a series of private community recitals.

Please note: these recitals are closed to the public and will be performed for residents, staff, and students only.


Executive Producer Eibhlín Gleeson
Musical Director Ciara Moroney (piano)

Soloists
Kelli-Ann Masterson (Soprano)
Niamh O’Sullivan (Mezzo-soprano)
Rory Dunne (Bass-baritone)
Dean Power (Tenor)

Production Team
Producer Aisling Fitzgerald
Assistant Producer Jennifer Hayes
Music Librarian Áine Delaney
Répétiteur Ciara Moroney

Acknowledgements and Thanks
Arts Council of Ireland

Stephen Triffitt – Sinatra’s Greatest Hits

Stephen Triffitt, accompanied by his band, offers a glimpse of the genius that was Frank Sinatra.

Stephen Triffitt played Frank Sinatra in the West End’s original production of Frank, Sammy and Dean – Live from Las Vegas, which ran for eight years in the West End. He has performed across the world on a regular basis from LA to Moscow with The Definitive Rat Pack.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune,

As Sinatra, Triffitt’s strength is in his faithful recreation of “Old Blue Eyes” mannerisms, voice and phrasing……you’d swear you were listening to the original.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

The Celtic Tenors

Known internationally for their unique blend of classical, folk, and contemporary music, The Celtic Tenors are embarking on a series of performances across Ireland, to celebrate a heartwarming return to their musical roots. Immediately following a US and Canadian tour, the trio’s homecoming is planned to be a joyous celebration of their musical evolution and their enduring connection with Irish audiences.

Join Matthew, James and Daryl as they share their rich quarter-century legacy of delivering enchanting harmonies and sharing stories about the land they love.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

The High Kings

Expect an unforgettable night packed with hits, heartfelt harmonies, and the energetic spirit of Irish tradition.

The High Kings’ reimagined version of Step It Out Mary in 2023 shattered streaming records for band alongside the very popular Chasing Rainbows (Badscandal Remix) showing that The High Kings enduring appeal transcends generations, attracting fans of all ages to their music. It was also the year that saw The High Kings release their 8th studio album ‘The Road Not Taken’. This album went on to achieve over 14 million streams, in just 1 year, as well as reaching the number one position for independent albums in Ireland, number one in Folk, number two across all genres, and number two in singer-songwriter in the USA. Additionally, it has topped charts as the number one bestseller on Amazon Germany and number one on iTunes in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, along with a selection of top-five chart positions worldwide.

Speaking about the brand-new tour The High Kings said:

Our Step It Out world tour blends beloved traditional Irish folk songs with our latest hits that are redefining the genre worldwide. Get ready for a two-hour rollercoaster of emotions that only folk music can deliver!


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Nathan Carter

He has outsold the likes of Beyoncé in Ireland, performed for the Pope, sold out venues across the world; and is one of the most prolific touring artists in Ireland & the UK. Now, as he releases his new album Music Man, Ireland’s top entertainer Nathan Carter has announced a brand new tour for 2025!

Born in Liverpool to Irish parents from County Down, Nathan Carter has released 13 studio albums and 6 live albums, with a sound that traverses pop, Irish folk, country music and timeless ballads.

With tracks such as ‘Wagon Wheel’ and ‘I Wanna Dance’ becoming huge hits, he is one of Ireland’s biggest artists, who has outsold One Direction, Pharrell Williams and Michael Bublé. He also became the first Irish country act to reach number 1 in the Irish charts in 2013 after Garth Brooks, six years before.

His new album Music Man features 11 tracks including the hugely successful single ‘Dance With Everybody’ and the new song ‘Dear Elizabeth’.

On the album, Nathan says:

For as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around music. It’s a language I’ve always understood, which started out as a hobby and has grown into a career which I am so privileged to enjoy every day. Thanks to music, I get to wake up each morning to do something that I love and share it with all of you.

It’s a complete love, a total obsession and has literally dictated the course of my life. I am proud to be a ‘music man’ and think it’s a really fitting title for this album. It certainly sums me up!

Experience the magic of Nathan Carter LIVE at Cork Opera House this January!


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lightning, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control.

Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Cork Folk Festival presents a 45th Anniversary Concert with Frankie Gavin & De Dannan

The Cork Folk Festival is preparing for a spectacular 45th edition from 2-6th October!

A highlight of this year’s festival will be a very special 45th Anniversary Concert at Cork Opera House, featuring virtuoso fiddler Frankie Gavin presenting the latest incarnation of De Dannan with Catherine Mc Hugh on piano, Ian Kinsella on guitar, Diarmuid Ó Meachair on melodeon and Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz on cello.

Frankie Gavin, from Galway, Ireland, is one of the most visionary and inspiring virtuoso Irish fiddlers in the world; the founder, heart and core of the legendary band De Dannan.

​Coming from a musical family, Frankie Gavin has played fiddle and flute since his teenage years. At the age of seventeen, he won All-Ireland competitions for fiddle and flute.

Originally influenced by the great Irish and American-Irish fiddle players such as James Morrison, he later found himself playing with stars: The Rolling Stones, Stephane Grappelli, James Galway and Yehudi Menuhin, and for celebrity audiences including four American presidents: J. F. K on his 1962 visit to Ireland, followed later by Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama.

Perhaps most importantly, the name Frankie Gavin is synonymous with De Dannan, the globally celebrated band he founded with Alec Finn in the mid-1970s. Over the years, there have been a numerous star-studded line-ups, and 2023 saw the birth of the latest incarnation of the band. De Dannan now comprises Frankie Gavin on fiddle and flute, Catherine Mc Hugh on piano, Ian Kinsella on guitar, Diarmuid Ó Meachair on melodeon and Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz on vocals and cello.

​Since their formation, the new band have played at Wickham Festival (UK), Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival, The All-Ireland Fleadh, Mujllingar, Tonder Festivak (Denmark), and Belfast Tradfest.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lightning, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control.

Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

 

Derek Ryan

Derek Ryan’s road to stardom is set to continue with his biggest concert tour to date.

After the resounding success of his recent nationwide Irish tour ‘Pure & Simple,’ Derek is back with a brand-new concert show for 2025.

Derek and his fantastic band are back on the road to perform material from Derek’s new album, along with his biggest chart-toppers ‘Hold On To Your Hat’ ‘Down On Your Uppers’ and ‘God’s Plan’, all of which have cemented his position as one of Ireland’s bestselling country singer/songwriters.

Special Guests to be announced.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lightning, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.