FANCY DOING SOMETHING different with your bank holiday weekend? Suit up and head to one of these wonderful events, where stirring classical music is conducted by experts.

If you’re a classical music fan, you’ll feel right at home at these events, and if you’re not, well then why not try something new this weekend?

1. See the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra in one of Dublin’s finest venues

www.nch.ie www.nch.ie

When: Friday, May 4th, 7:30pm Where: National Concert Hall, Dublin 2

The National Concert Orchestra will present not one, but three incredible pieces over the Bank Holiday weekend – one by Brahms, one by Tchaikovsky and a brand new piece by esteemed Irish composter Gerald Barry.

It promises to be an incredible evening of classical music, both historical and contemporary.

Get tickets and more information here.

2. Get a taste for all things classical in Yeats country

www.sligochambermusic.ie www.sligochambermusic.ie

When: Friday, May 4th – Monday, May 7th Where: Drumcliffe Church and The Model, Co Sligo

The Sligo International Chamber Music Festival runs for the length of this weekend, with several excellent performers lined up, including the Vogler Quartet.

Spanning two venues and four days, there’s bound to be something for everyone here, from traditional string quartets to Romanian folk dancing performances.

Event programme and tickets can be found here.

3. Hear a heavenly choir perform Brahms’ best

www.corkorchestralsociety.ie www.corkorchestralsociety.ie

When: Sunday, May 6th, 8:00pm Where: Cork City Hall

Brahms will be performed twice this weekend, this time in Cork City Hall on Sunday evening. The Fleischmann Choir and CSM Symphony Orchestra will perform his German Requiem, as well as Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony.

Conducted by the up-and-coming Conor Palliser, it’s sure to be a fantastic performance of some iconic pieces.

Tickets can be bought here.

4. Enjoy Vivaldi by candlelight

www.stpatrickscathedral.ie www.stpatrickscathedral.ie

When: Saturday, May 5th, 8pm Where: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin 2

This is a classical music concert with a difference – it takes place in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, just when the skies are beginning to darken, and is lit by candles.

Performed by the London Concertante, this candlelight concert is a perfect show for first-timers, with a mix of humour, gorgeous strings and lush surroundings.

Tickets and more information can be found here.

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