Early highlights announced for Kilkenny Arts Festival Classical Music programme

Chamber Choir Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra, and the Festival’s orchestra in residence, Irish Chamber Orchestra, led by Katherine Hunka, all return to the Marble City in a celebration of a chamber music, while the Festival provides a stage for some of Ireland’s finest young voices, welcoming back the Irish Youth Choir under the baton of Kilkenny native, Patrick Barrett.

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of this year’s Festival will be Bill Barclay’s critically acclaimed Secret Byrd in a special immersive presentation. Part promenade, part concert, and part immersive theatre, Secret Byrd celebrates the ‘father of English music’ in the glorious acoustic of the Black Abbey.

Paul Hillier helms a celebration of Arvo Pärt at 90 with Chamber Choir Ireland; new artistic partner to ICO Henning Kraggerud directs a special programme for his Kilkenny debut including works by Barber, JS Bach, Lili Boulanger, Amy Beach and Mahler; while Peter Whelan’s Irish Barque Orchestra perform Handel’s Alexander’s Feast in advance of their BBC Proms debut with the same programme. Featuring Aisling Kenny, Hugh Cutting and Stuart Jackson.

The Irish Youth Choir was a regular feature of the Festival in years gone by, and KAF is particularly pleased to welcome them back with a programme chosen by the members of the choir, including new work by Rhona Clarke – whose work was rapturously received by Kilkenny audiences in 2023.

Kilkenny Arts Festival Director, Olga Barry said today "We’re delighted to announce headline events from the classical music programme at St. Canice’s Cathedral with the finest Irish ensembles alongside the Irish premiere of Secret Byrd with Gesualdo Six and Fretwork at the Black Abbey".

Tickets for these performances are on sale now.

Kilkenny Arts Festival runs from 7-17 August with a programme of theatre, opera, music, visual arts, literature and discussions.

The full programme for Kilkenny Arts Festival 2025 will be announced in June.

Kilkenny Arts Festival is grateful for the continued support from funders, particularly its principal funder, the Arts Council; Kilkenny County Council and Fáilte Ireland.