National Concert Hall announces free open-air summer series
The National Concert Hall has announced a series of free open-air concerts running through August, bringing chamber ensembles and traditional Irish musicians to public squares and parks in Dublin as part of an effort to reach audiences who might not otherwise attend a ticketed performance.
Taking the music outdoors
The series moves away from the concert hall's usual indoor programme, with performances staged in locations such as public parks and civic squares, chosen partly for their acoustics and partly for their accessibility to passers-by. Organisers say the format is designed to lower the barrier to entry for people who may feel classical or traditional music isn't 'for them', while still showcasing performers of the same calibre featured in the hall's main season.
A wider audience for Irish musicians
Several of the acts booked for the series are emerging Irish performers alongside more established ensembles, giving newer musicians exposure to larger, more varied crowds than a typical ticketed recital might draw. Local councils have partnered with the Concert Hall on logistics, including seating, sound equipment, and wet-weather contingency dates for each outdoor date.
Key facts
- Series length: runs through August
- Cost: free to attend
- Format: chamber and traditional music in outdoor public spaces
- Partners: local councils on venue logistics
The National Concert Hall says the outdoor series will run alongside its regular indoor season, with organisers hoping strong turnout this summer will support making the open-air format an annual fixture.