National Concert Hall presents You Raise Me Up – The Songs and Stories of Brendan Graham with the National Symphony Orchestra

The National Concert Hall is delighted to present You Raise Me Up - a celebration of the music of one of Ireland’s greatest songwriters, Brendan Graham. ‘You Raise Me Up’ is undoubtedly Brendan's best-known work, with versions in over 60 languages, it was a global chart hit for Westlife and Josh Groban. Brendan also famously penned two Irish Eurovision-winning songs, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids’ and ‘The Voice’. 

For this unique celebratory concert of Brendan’s work, a host of renowned artists will come together to perform his songs with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by the masterly David Brophy. Helmed by Musical Director Gavin Murphy, the cast includes Cathy Jordan, lauded solo singer and frontwoman of Dervish, revered chanteuse Camille O’Sullivan, the uniquely voiced multi-instrumentalist Seán Keane, internationally acclaimed tenor Anthony Kearns, singer Róisín O’Reilly known for her ‘tenderly introspective to utterly beautiful interpretations’(HMV Choice), along with pianist Feargal Murray, members of Dublin Gospel Choir, guest musicians Neil Martin, Denis Carey and more.  

The night would not be complete without Brendan’s Eurovision-winning songs so the concert features special performances of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids’ by Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan and ‘The Voice’ by Eimear Quinn. 

On the subject of the forthcoming concerts Brendan Graham says: 

‘You write your songs in silence and solitude…and in hope that somehow, they might travel out from behind the half-door, where they are written. That they would travel to the stage of the National Concert Hall and be given flight by the National Symphony Orchestra and such a wonderfully diverse array of artistes…is almost beyond a hoped-for thing. I am most grateful.’ 

Artists who have recorded or performed Brendan’s work include Aretha Franklin with Josh Groban, both Liam Neeson and Moya Brennan with The Chieftains, Hal Ketchum with Sandy Kelly, Elaine Paige, Secret Garden, Celtic Woman, Brian Kennedy, Dervish, Karen Matheson, Katherine Jenkins, Aled Jones, ANÚNA, Opera’s Sumi Jo and Daniel O’Donnell to name but a few. 

As well as the ‘hits’, and classics such as ‘Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears’, ‘Winter, Fire & Snow’, and ‘Crucán na bPáiste’, the concerts will feature world premiere performances of new material from Brendan. 

Recently Brendan has been back in the news as Josh Groban has announced a 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Closer which features a new extended version of ‘You Raise Me Up’. In addition, Brendan has written the lyrics for legendary flamenco band The Gipsy Kings’ latest single ‘Abandonado’ taken from their album Renaissance. 

Brendan himself hosts this special evening celebrating the art of his songwriting. Join us for a night of timeless classics to honour one of our most accomplished songwriters. 

Tickets €37, €47.50, €55 

On Sale Friday 10 November 10am   

10% Discount for Friends of NCH     

10% Discount for Groups of 10 or more       

www.nch.ie      

Box Office Tel: 01 4170000    

ENDS     

Media Queries: Sinead Doyle, Marketing & PR Manager or Roisin Dwyer, PR & Publications Executive, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. (S. Doyle Tel: 087 1775334 / R. Dwyer 085 7129628)            

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CONCERT HALL         

The National Concert Hall (NCH) has an ambition to be one of the world’s great centres for music, a centre which will be a symbol of national pride for Irish people everywhere. But above all, a centre for music which will enable the NCH to best deliver on its statutory remit for music, the arts, for culture and for our nation.  

Based in the heart of Dublin City Centre, the NCH is Ireland's National Cultural Institution for music hosting in excess of 1,000 events each year pre-pandemic. World-class music and entertainment for all ages is at the heart of its offering, enriching people's lives through music and the magic of live performance. It is the proud home to the National Symphony Orchestra, who perform their annual season of symphonic and classical music alongside more popular and lunchtime concerts throughout the year.  The NCH is also host to a number of Ireland's music development bodies including: Music Network, Music Generation and NCH associate ensembles, Chamber Choir Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra and Crash Ensemble, who together with the National Symphony Orchestra secures the National Concert Hall's position as a national centre for the performance, appreciation and enjoyment of music in Ireland.