A Wonderful Evening of Music at Our 2026 Summer Concert

A Wonderful Evening of Music at Our 2026 Summer Concert

We are still reflecting on what was a truly unforgettable evening at our annual Irish Heritage Summer Concert, held in the magnificent surroundings of Leighton House on 1st July. With a full audience and an exceptional line-up of performers, the concert was a wonderful celebration of emerging Irish musical talent and the continued success of Irish Heritage's bursary programme.

The evening showcased the remarkable artistry of this year's bursary winners, alongside previous Irish Heritage award recipients. From the opening notes, the audience was captivated by performances of extraordinary musicality, technical brilliance and heartfelt expression.

Violinist Julieanne Forrest and pianist Luke Lally Maguire opened the concert with an exquisite programme including Shostakovich's Romance from The Gadfly, Brahms' Violin Sonata No. 2 and Wieniawski's spirited Obertass, demonstrating an outstanding partnership and exceptional musicianship.

Baritone Cuan Durkin, accompanied by Frasier Hickland, then treated the audience to a varied vocal programme spanning opera, German lieder and Irish folk song. Their moving performance of The Star of the County Down proved a particular highlight before the interval, drawing warm appreciation from the audience.

During the interval, guests enjoyed exploring the beautiful museum and gardens of Leighton House while catching up over a glass or two, making the most of the unique setting that has become a favourite venue for Irish Heritage concerts.

The second half featured the outstanding cellist Seth Collin, who demonstrated both technical mastery and expressive depth. He performed this year’s joint winner of the music bursary prize, Ferdia Ó Cairbre's evocative Neamh-Ghleann, Hamilton Harty's Waldesstille and Beethoven's Cello Sonata No. 4, accompanied by the excellent Zany Denyer. The concert concluded with a beautiful performance of the much-loved Irish melody Londonderry Air (Danny Boy), performed by Seth Collin, Julieanne Forrest and Luke Lally Maguire. It provided a fitting and deeply moving finale to an evening that celebrated not only outstanding musical talent but also the rich heritage and traditions that Irish Heritage continues to champion.