THE University Concert Hall is celebrating a big birthday this week, culminating in a special concert with one of Ireland’s most prestigious orchestras.
Celebrating 30 years tonight (Friday September 29), the University Concert Hall (UCH) will hold a concert featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conducted by Joshua Gersen, and accompanied by world-renowned pianist John O’Conor, one of the first musicians to perform at UCH.
UCH became the first purpose-built concert hall in Ireland when it was officially opened on the University of Limerick campus in September 1993 by former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and US Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith.
The main auditorium seats 1,038 and has hosted many familiar names in its 30 years, including Johnny Cash and June Carter, James Taylor, Billy Connolly, Van Morrison, Christy Moore, and the late Sinead O’Connor.
Judith Woodworth, Chairperson of the UCH Board, said that the special birthday concert is a celebration of the venue’s unique history.
“We are immensely proud of our role in adding breadth and depth to the cultural life of the Mid West, and our ongoing work to reflect and promote the longstanding artistic ethos of the University of Limerick by offering a wide range of cultural events and experiences.”
UCH Director Sinead Hope added: “Attracting some of the world’s leading singer songwriters, standup comedians, pantomimes, and classical performers to the Mid West has had a hugely positive impact on the region’s arts and entertainment sector, as well as the local economy.”
Anyone who is interested in attending tonight’s concert can get tickets on UCH.ie.
