Exciting lineup for Marble City Music Festival in Kilkenny revealed

Following a sold out 2023 festival, tickets are now on sale for Marble City Music Festival 2024, which runs May 17-19, and sees an exciting lineup in St Mary’s Cathedral.

Proud Kilkenny man, world renowned violinist, and artistic director of Marble City Music Festival Patrick Rafter teams up with some of Ireland’s finest and most exciting musicians for three mesmerising concerts. The festival offers music to suit all tastes, and is the perfect opportunity to engage with classical music in a stunning setting with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

On Friday, May 17 at 8pm Patrick Rafter joins Maldovan Pan Flute player Julian Pusca, Irish harpist Claire O’Donnell and pianist Billy O’Brien for a magical concert of cinema classics.

The concert will showcase many of the greatest soundtracks and love themes of the C0th century featuring themes from the Lord of the Rings, Out of Africa, the Godfather and many more.

On Saturday, May 18 at 8pm a concert is presented by RTE Lyric FM’s Lorcan Murray where Patrick Rafter joins celebrated Irish pianist Michael McHale to perform an incredible programme including the epic Franck Sonata for violin and piano. The concert promises to be an outstanding show of virtuosity and craftsmanship.

On Sunday, May 19 at 3pm, former Celtic Woman soprano, Megan Ruby Walsh performs spellbinding Disney Classics with piano, violin and harp featuring themes from Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Cinderella and the Prince of Egypt. It promises to be a magical family event for all who witness these incredible musicians performing showstoppers — ideal for the young and the young at heart alike.

Tickets are available from €15 plus booking fees and are on sale now at marblecitymusicfestival.com.

Festival-goers can avail of free car parking at the Cathedral and wheelchair access. Marble City Music Festival is an ideal opportunity to explore the fabulous food, bars, scenery, and culture that Kilkenny city has to offer.
Patrick Rafter is warmly inviting everyone to come along to the festival.

“I’m so proud to have established a festival where I can perform in my home city in a venue that holds so many beautiful memories for me,” he said.

“I would love to welcome people to the festival who may have never attended a classical music concert, especially children — music is such a powerful tool for emotional expression and I hope to warmly break down any misconceptions that are held! My deepest thanks go to those who have already supported the Festival in 2023, and I hope you come back for more this May!”