New Ross Piano Festival 20th Year Celebration

Join us for an afternoon of musical brilliance at the National Opera House in Wexford, marking two decades of exceptional piano performances at the New Ross Piano Festival. Presented by RTE’s Anne Cassin, the festival’s 20th Year Celebration Concert brings two of Ireland’s most distinguished pianists together for an unforgettable anniversary event. The festival’s Artistic Director, Finghin Collins, has invited his colleague, the internationally acclaimed pianist Barry Douglas, to join him for a concert featuring not just one but two pianos. 

Finghin Collins is among Ireland’s most successful and respected performers. After earning numerous awards at home, he captured international attention by winning first prize at the Clara Haskil Competition in Switzerland in 1999.

Sharing the stage is Barry Douglas who first rose to global prominence after winning the 1986 Tchaikovsky International Competition—a triumph that launched a far-reaching career as both pianist and conductor.  Douglas is renowned for his powerful artistry and profound musical insight.

With a broadcasting career spanning more than 35 years, Anne Cassin has spent the last 13 of those as a presenter on the hugely popular RTE programme Nationwide. Earlier this year, she captured the hearts of viewers across the country as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.

This special anniversary concert features a rich and varied programme. 

Performing classics by Schubert and Prokofiev individually in the first half of the concert, Collins and Douglas join forces in the second half to perform much-loved masterpieces by Mozart and Rachmaninov.  Don’t miss this spectacular two-piano gala! 

• Schubert – Drei Klavierstücke (Three Piano Pieces) D. 946 – Finghin Collins 
• Prokofiev – Romeo and Juliet, Op. 75 (arr. Prokofiev: Nos. 3–8) – Barry Douglas 

INTERVAL

• Mozart – Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K. 448 
• Rachmaninov – Suite for Two Pianos in C minor, Op. 17

With thanks to Wexford County Council, the Arts Council and the National Opera House