Welcome to the

Marble City Music Festival 2026

Experience exceptional concerts in the heart of Kilkenny City. This May, Kilkenny comes alive with two magnificent concerts featuring world-class orchestras and soloists. The RTE Concert Orchestra will perform at the magnificent setting of St. Canice's Cathedral, and the Luminosa Orchestra will join us for a brilliant performance at St. Canice's RC Church.


Join Marble City Music Festival and a stellar ensemble of world-class artists as they guide you through evenings filled with wonder, warmth, and unforgettable music. This festival showcases Ireland’s finest musicians in performances that will delight audiences of all ages. Tickets from just 17.50 Euro with no booking fees.

✨ Rafter & Luminosa

'The Four Seasons & Virtuoso Fire'


Friday 8th May 7.30 pm 

St. Canice's RC Church


A major artistic collaboration takes centre stage this May as Patrick Rafter joins forces with Luminosa Orchestra for a night of brilliance, passion and electrifying virtuosity.

At the heart of the evening lies Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons — one of the most iconic works ever written for violin. Bursting with colour, drama and breathtaking energy, these concertos remain as thrilling today as they were 300 years ago.


The fireworks continue with Camille Saint-Saëns’ Introduction et Rondo Capriccioso — a dazzling showpiece of flair, virtuosity and irresistible rhythmic fire.

Closing the concert is Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, one of the most cherished works in the English repertoire — warm, noble and deeply lyrical.


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✨ RTE Concert Orchestra &

Patrick Rafter

'The Great Romantics'


Friday 15th May 7.30 pm

St. Canice's Cathedral


An evening of sweeping passion, radiant lyricism and orchestral brilliance as Patrick Rafter takes to the podium to conduct and then direct from the violin. We are thrilled to the distinguished RTÉ Concert Orchestra coming to Kilkenny City for a celebration of the great Romantic tradition.


At the heart of the programme lies music from Manon Lescaut by Giacomo Puccini — music of sumptuous orchestration, soaring melodic lines and deeply human drama.

The luminous serenity of The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams offers a moment of transcendence — one of the most beloved works in the violin repertoire, floating with radiant calm above shimmering orchestral textures. Romantic elegance continues in Salut d'Amour and Sospiri by Edward Elgar, alongside the richly expressive Romance for Violin and Orchestra by Amy Beach.


The evening concludes in sparkling brilliance with the overture to The Barber of Seville by Rossini — one of the greatest ways to lift your spirits!

 


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Alice

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Bebas Neue

Great Vibes

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Cinzel

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Staatliches

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Lato

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Amiri

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