<img src='' title='Event Category: Music' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Music

Cork Opera House and Masters of Tradition present Martin Hayes with Cormac McCarthy & Special Guests

As part of Cork Opera House’s 170th anniversary celebrations, we are delighted to welcome the world renowned fiddle player, Martin Hayes to curate a very special evening of music that shines a spotlight on Cork’s deep and dynamic traditional music heritage.

In collaboration with Masters of Tradition – the internationally renowned Bantry-based festival where Hayes serves as Artistic Director – this one-night-only event will be a singular celebration of Irish traditional music, curated through the unique vision of one of its greatest living exponents.

Martin Hayes, known for his soulful and transcendent fiddle playing, will lead an evening that blends orchestral grandeur with the intimacy and authenticity of traditional session music. The Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Tom Crowley, will be joined on stage by Hayes’ long-time collaborator, the acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Cormac McCarthy. They will be accompanied by special guests drawn from Cork’s incredible pool of traditional musicians, all renowned for their connection to Cork and contribution to the city’s cultural tapestry.

Through original arrangements and special performances, this concert will celebrate Cork not only as a city steeped in musical history, but also as a vibrant hub of living tradition. Join us for an unforgettable evening that honours the past, celebrates the present, and signals toward the future of Irish traditional music.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Swingin’ In Time – Jazz Giants at Cork Opera House Through the Decades

As part of our landmark 170th Anniversary celebrations, Cork Opera House is proud to present a dazzling evening of music that pays tribute to its rich jazz heritage. Swingin’ & In Time – Jazz Giants at Cork Opera House Through the Decades is a high-energy, glamorous celebration of jazz, featuring the dynamic Paul Dunlea Big Band and curated by acclaimed trombonist, arranger and composer Paul Dunlea.

For this very special one-night-only event, we’ve invited Paul to lead the charge in recreating some of the most iconic jazz moments that have taken place on our stage. From unforgettable performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Blossom Dearie, Cork Opera House has long been a cornerstone of Cork’s jazz scene — and this concert will honour that legacy in spectacular style.

Featuring the electrifying Paul Dunlea Big Band and a stellar line-up of vocal talent, the night will showcase some of Ireland and the UK’s finest jazz and soul artists, including: Tony Momrelle, Georgia Cécile, Jack O’Rourke, Laoise Leahy and Daisy Ní Ruaidh.

Join us as we swing through the decades, celebrating the sound, spirit, and stars of jazz at Cork Opera House. Expect big-band brilliance, unforgettable performances, and a night steeped in musical history.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Kilfenora Céilí Band

The Kilfenora, one of Ireland’s most iconic traditional music groups, has been delighting audiences for over a century with their unique and masterful performances. Hailing from the village of Kilfenora in County Clare, the band has been at the heart of Irish traditional music since 1909, earning a reputation as one of the outstanding sounds in Irish music. Their latest show, promises an exhilarating blend of traditional Irish music, song, dance and stagecraft. This electrifying production brings together the Kilfenora’s signature sound with high-energy choreography, driving rhythms, and stunning arrangements. Audiences can expect a powerful and immersive experience, with the band’s renowned musicianship and band-audience banter at the core of every performance.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Irish music, this show will leave you breathless, showcasing the enduring vitality and excitement of Irish traditional ensemble playing.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Onóir

Contemporary Irish folk group Onóir formed in 2020, when Donegal musicians; Tom McHugh, Declan Gaughan, Deane Connaghan, and Diarmaid McGee, joined forces to create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballad; “The Auld Triangle”, the video went on to be seen by over 3 million people worldwide. These talented musicians with distinctive vocal styles are setting new standards with incredible musical arrangements and harmonies that mark them out as unique. Their debut album was released in March of 2024.

Onóir are getting ready to blow your mind… This is a night not to be missed. As they put their unique stamp on the timeless ballads and folk songs that we all love. But be prepared for a few pleasant surprises as they delve into americana, heart rending soul and a little bit of country. In addition to top quality vocals there’s going to be some fun and laughter along the way.   

Onóir are selling out venues in record time as their impassioned audiences are taken on a musical odyssey. From their new take on traditional Irish songs all the way through to, up tempo modern Irish classics. From tears to laughter, enjoy the onstage chemistry, excitement, and banter in a show that you will remember for a long, long time. 

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

The ELO Tribute Show

THE ELO SHOW – The World’s Greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne and E.L.O are back on the road in 2025 with a stunning new stage production, featuring a band of amazing musicians complimented by a female string section and playing hit after hit from ELO’s vast back catalogue. After touring and selling out venues all over the UK and Europe, this show gets bigger every year, now with a dazzling light and laser show, 3D video screens modeled on ELO’s own touring show design and even a huge spaceship!

With beautiful harmonies from six singers, string section and world class band, this really is as close as you will get to the Real Thing.

Expect songs like, Evil Woman, Don’t Bring Me Down, Telephone Line, Sweet Talkin Woman, Turn to stone, Wild West Hero, The Diary of Horace Wimp and of course the legendary Mr. Blue Sky plus many more with a surprise or two. Don’t miss out on this fantastic night of nostalgia and classic tunes.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Thanks for the Dance – The Leonard Cohen Story

Thanks for the Dance features the poetry and songs of the legendary, Leonard Cohen, as Robert Doyle tells stories and anecdotes about Cohen’s life between wonderful renditions of the Canadian singer/songwriter songs.

The stage is set like Cohen’s last world tour and also features a visual display of his life running in the background.

Based in Wicklow town, Robert’s band are all life long players, from backing singers Louise Jameson, Jhil Quinn and Emma Nicolai, to bass guitarist Ben Dunne, drummer Keith Pogue and keyboard player Chiara Brown,. They are joined by musical director and lead guitarist, Fergal Cantebury, all behind lead singer Robert Doyle.

Robert has sung Cohen songs since discovering him at age 14 and met Leonard Cohen back in 1979, after attending his concert in Zurich. When Cohen was chatting with Robert and discovered he sang his songs, he asked him to sing for him and the band.

Cohen Unlimited sold out shows around Ireland in 2024, Galway, Wexford, Dundalk, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny,  Ennis and Waterford, bringing a show of stunning entertainment that will keep Cohen’s fans enthralled. The band also have the incredible honour of performing some songs from Cohen’s last two albums that Leonard didn’t get to perform to a live audience before he passed away in 2016.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

One Night Of Adele

The UK’s No.1 Tribute to Adele starring The Voice UK Finalist Naomi Johnson.

One Night Of Adele transports you into the sensational atmosphere of an Adele concert experience; belting out the biggest anthems from the Grammy award winners studio albums including ‘Easy On Me’, ‘Hello’, ‘Someone Like You’, ‘I Drink Wine’, ‘Send My Love’ and ‘Rolling In The Deep’. You’ll hear and sing along to your favourite Adele songs… and you may even find yourself dancing in the aisles!

Notable performances include an 8000+ capacity crowd at the world famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore along with many sell out shows across Europe including Germany, Latvia, Denmark, Ireland, Austria and Sweden. One Night of Adele is the ultimate global tribute to the most successful female artist of a generation.

With remarkable attention to detail, this stunning tribute show will provide you not only with dazzling songs both intimate and epic, but in this true representation you’ll experience the hair, the nails, the dresses, the world famous Adele witty charm… and most importantly, that truly iconic voice!

Naomi Johnson is a powerhouse vocalist from Bristol, UK. Competing in the final of The Voice UK which aired to over 7 million viewers worldwide was certainly a highlight of her career to date. With recent outstanding performances at the world famous Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury Festival, Naomi continues to captivate audiences with her beaming stage presence and stunning vocals.

Get ready to laugh, cry and sing as Naomi takes you on this incredible journey!

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory

From the off, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is sonically different from Van Etten’s previous work. Writing and recording in total collaboration with her band for the first time, Van Etten finds the freedom that comes by letting go. The result of that liberation is an exhilarating new dimension of sound and songwriting. The themes are timeless, classic Sharon – life and living, love and being loved – but the sounds are new, wholly realized and sharp as glass. 

Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory presents an exhilarating new dimension of Van Etten’s sound and songwriting. For the first time, it was written and recorded in total collaboration with her band — Jorge Balbi (drums, machines), Devra Hoff (bass, vocals), and Teeny Lieberson (synth, piano, guitar, vocals) — allowing Van Etten the freedom that comes by letting go. The themes are timeless, classic Sharon, but the sounds are new, wholly realized and sharp as glass.  

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE:

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Qween- Its a Kinda Queen

When the fans of a band put together a tribute production, you should expect microscopic detail, but when they’re also seasoned performers, you can expect fireworks.

The band formed in 2018, with the members having played together in numerous other guises over the years. Since their debut, Qween has wowed audiences with a theatrical rock show that brings the audience right back in time to the front row of a classic Queen gig. Qween’s two-hour show features a veritable anthology of Queen’s greatest hits, from Radio Ga Ga to Somebody to Love, performed fully live.

Since their inception, they have grown in popularity quickly and have performed shows usually reserved for acts that have their own tributes, selling out venues across Ireland.

In 2022, the band featured over two days at the Forever Young Festival, with performances that included guest appearances from Tony Hadley, formerly of Spandau Ballet, and Mark Shaw of Then Jerico. Such was the response, the band was booked for the festival’s main stage in 2023—the first time a tribute band had been granted the privilege.

“On paper, there’s nothing particularly ‘cool’ about a tribute band, and that’s the hardest thing for us to communicate to audiences—that this is the essence of what Queen is about rather than some musicians playing dress-up. When people see us, they get it then,”

said guitarist Thomas Brunkard.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: This is an all-ages show. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Rob Lamberti – Perfectly George

Featuring the incredible voice of Rob Lamberti, this spectacular show has wowed audiences across the UK and Europe, bringing them to their feet in a dynamic celebration of one of the most gifted performers of a generation.

From Wham! to George Michael’s iconic solo career, this show takes fans on a journey through his legendary hits, including Careless Whisper, Faith, I’m Your Man, Club Tropicana, and many more.

Rob Lamberti, hailed as “nothing short of perfection” by West End Wilma, has become a fan favorite. The Southern Daily Echo raved, “The entire audience from stalls to balcony was up on their feet dancing.” After starring on BBC’s Even Better Than the Real Thing in 2017, Rob has cemented his place as the definitive tribute to George Michael. He even appeared in the Steve Coogan film Greed.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: The show is suitable for 12+. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.