PROGRAMME
In 2026, we mark our 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of inspiring performances and supporting emerging singers and instrumentalists. from 30 April - 4 May.
Join The Niall Kinsella Orchestra and Irish jazz diva Stella Bass for The Golden Age of Jazz & Swing - featuring the best of American Songbook standards by Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart, Cole Porter and others.
World-renowned soprano Celine Byrne makes her festival debut in Songs of Inspiration at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. While on the Birr Castle Lawn, TU Dublin Conservatoire presents Henry Purcell’s
Dido & Aeneas - performed by 30 of the Conservatoire’s vocal and music students.
Other new events include The Merry Band at RHSI Bellefield in Shinrone and The Road Home by Birr’s Sing It! Community Choir.
The international duo Bruno Caproni and Julian Evans return to perform, deliver masterclasses and adjudicate at The Trench Award - the centrepiece of the Festival.
This year, we have a new location for our exclusive Patrons & Sponsors afternoon concert.
We are also thrilled to welcome Canbe as our Hospitality Partner and RHSI Bellefield and Kinnitty Castle Hotel as our new Venue Partners in 2026.
* Booking fees will apply at time of purchase
WHAT'S ON
Friday 1 May, 1pm
Bellefield House & Gardens, Shinrone
The Merry Band
@ RHSI Bellefield
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Saturday 2 May, 8pm
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
Celine Byrne:
Songs of Inspiration & Hope
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
1
The Big Sing!
Led by dynamic choral director
Mary Amond O’Brien, children from primary schools across County Offaly come together for a joyful day of high-energy singing workshops, celebrating the power of music and collective performance.
2
Music for Life
International duo Bruno Caproni (baritone) and Julian Evans (piano) visit local second-level schools, offering senior music students a behind-the-scenes glimpse into professional life through live performance and engaging Q&A sessions.
3
Memories in Music
Festival instrumentalists and singers bring cherished melodies and timeless classics to clients, families, and staff at Birr Community Nursing Unit and other local care homes, creating a heart-warming musical journey down memory lane.
POP-UP PERFORMANCES
