The Marble City Music Festival is the vision of Kilkenny native, Patrick Rafter. The festival returns to St. Mary's Cathedral in Kilkenny City for 4 concerts this Nov. 28th to Dec. 1st.

Our Christmas Edition is a guaranteed festive atmosphere with complimentary mince pies, mulled wines and warm receptions provided at all concerts. We have an added bonus concert at the Curtis Auditorium in Cork City on Friday 6th December.

Christmas Programme 2024

We have a stellar line-up of musicians for our Christmas edition this year:

Patrick Rafter, violinist and conductor
One of Ireland's leading sopranos, Claudia Boyle
Sensational Irish pianist, Fiachra Garvey
Leading Irish cellist, Ailbhe McDonagh
Leading French clarinetist, Michel Lethiec
French Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Rosa Musica
Renowned Kilkenny Tenor and Pianist, Paddy and Maura Rafter
The Kilkenny Choir
One of Ireland's finest young pianists, JJ McNamara

Thursday 28th November 7.30pm
Solo Bach
Patrick Rafter and Ailbhe McDonagh present JS Bach's most magical solo violin and cello works. This 1 hour concert will feature the Chaconne for solo violin, cello suites number 1 and 3. Mulled wine, mince pies and a warm welcome also on the programme.
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Friday 29th November 7.30PM
Clarinet & Chamber Orchestra
French Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Rosa Musica, consists of some of France's most notable musicians including Quarter Girard who founded this group. Patrick Rafter leads the orchestra for our programme that will include Grieg's Holberg Suite, Liszt Rhapsody No. 2 arranged for strings, and Bruckner's magnificent adagio from his string quintet. The second half brings acclaimed French Clarinettist, Michel Lethiec as soloist for Rossini's virtuosic Andante and Variations, Verdi, Puccini and more. Mulled wine, mince pies and a warm welcome guaranteed.

Saturday 30th November 7.30PM
Album Launch
Violinist Patrick Rafter and acclaimed Irish pianist, Fiachra Garvey, launch their debut album under the British Label, Rubicon Classics. This epic recital will include Guillaume Lekeu Sonata for violin and piano, Ysaye's Poeme Elegiaque, Lili Boulanger and Maurice Ravel Sonata No. 2. Mulled wine, mince pies and a warm welcome guaranteed.

Sunday 1st December at 4PM
A Family Christmas
Christmas truly begins with our festive family friendly concert. Join Claudia Boyle, Paddy and Maura Rafter, JJ McNamara and the Kilkenny Choir for an epic Christmas Family Special. Program includes Home Alone with Choir and Glockenspiel, Oh Holy Night, Love Actually and I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas. Mulled wine, mince pies and a festive atmosphere guaranteed.

Cork City Friday 6th December
Album Launch
Patrick Rafter and Fiachra Garvey continue the launch of their debut album under the British Label, Rubicon Classics. This recital will be in the Curtis Auditorium in Cork City. This epic recital will include Guillaume Lekeu Sonata for violin and piano, Ysaye's Poeme Elegiaque, Lili Boulanger and Maurice Ravel Sonata No. 2.

TICKETS: www.marblecitymusicfestival.com
ALL CONCERTS IN ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL, KILKENNY CITY