RTÉ will again celebrate Culture Night on Friday 18th September with a rich schedule of live programmes from Kilkeny, Killarney and Cork across its television, radio and online services from 6.00pm – 11.00pm.
Live performances from some of Ireland’s best musicians, performers, poets, actors, writers and creatives will present audiences with a vibrant showcase of Irish music, literature, heritage, creativity and community participation which will once again puts the spotlight on the richness and diversity of cultural talent in Ireland.
CULTURE NIGHT ON RTÉ – THE HIGHLIGHTS
RTÉ One | RTÉ Player
RTÉ Culture Night Live is a special bilingual, fast-paced television programme presented by Carla O’Brien and Doireann Ní Glacáin (live from St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, Kilkenny) and Katija Mia (live from Killarney).
The programme features a diverse lineup showcasing contemporary Irish talent:
-Jamie Duffy, the internationally successful pianist and composer whose debut single Solas became one of the most-streamed Irish debut releases in recent years.
Jamie Duffy
-Clada, a five-piece traditional music group from Galway known for their high-energy live performances.#
-Jessica Doolan, a 2FM Rising Artist, performing her new single Smell The Roses with an ensemble of cello, violin and piano.
-Mick Flannery joined by Susan O’Neill performing material from his new album The House Must Win with a full band.
-Niamh O’Sullivan, the Cork mezzo-soprano and former BBC New Generation Artist, performing with concert pianist Gary Beecher.
The programme will also feature three specially recorded films which highlight Irish heritage, history and culture:
Gulliver Was a Cavan Man: Exploring the 300th anniversary of Gulliver’s Travels and connections between Jonathan Swift, County Cavan and the inspiration for Lilliput.
The Office of the Attorney General: Brendan Courtney takes the keys for a rare behind-the-scenes look inside the historic building, open to the public for the first time this Culture Night, and giving our cameras exclusive access.
The Butter Museum, Cork: Norma Sheahan celebrates Cork’s rich food heritage and the global significance of the historic Cork Butter Exchange, once the largest butter markets in the world.
Norma Sheahan celebrates Cork’s rich food heritage
Community and Cultural Highlights live from Killarney
Mothú’s street spectacle The Seeker, features giant puppets, lantern lit figures, fire dancers and stunning visuals. This performance is inspired by Irish poet and writer Seán Ó Ríordáin’s life and legacy.
Maracatu ilha Brilhante, an Afro-Brazilian drumming/dance ensemble who are joined by the Global Dance Club Kilkenny. Together, they’re performing Cortejo Real, a colourful celebration of cultural diversity.
Nialler9 – DJ, music journalist, and former Culture Night ambassador chats about his Culture Night Late event in Kilkenny and gives us the lowdown on music events across the country.
RTÉ Radio 1
Presented by Rick O’Shea, from 7.00pm – 8.00pm on RTÉ Radio 1, an Arena Culture Night Special will celebrate the stories and music which root us to this land and all those generations who came before and all those who are yet to be. We brought our music and stories with us throughout the world and this Culture Night the programme will celebrate the strength of our storytelling, the power of our music and the sound of our voices with musicians such as Irish legend Liam Ó Maonlaí, the pure Aran Island tones of Lasairfhríona Ní Chonaola, supreme concertina player Jack Talty and the close harmonies of traditional singers Landless, as well as others, with poems chosen by poet Tony Curtis.
Landless
It will be a night to draw the curtains, light a candle and travel through time and space, communing with ghosts of our forebears through music and stories.
RTÉ 2FM
This Culture Night, 2FM will host a very special broadcast, 2FM Rising X Culture Night Live from 6.00pm – 11.00pm.
At 6.00pm, Dan Hegarty kicks off proceedings by celebrating the very best of Irish music spotlighting past and present 2FM Rising artists, such as Fontaines D.C., Big Piig, Khakikid, Sprints and more.
Chubby Cat
Then, from 7:30pm Beta Da Silva will broadcast live from St Luke’s in Cork for 2FM Rising X Culture Night Live which will feature live stage performances from 2FM Rising artists MOIO, Mischa and the Bear, Run The Red, Chubby Cat and a live DJ set from 2FM DJ Graham Smyth.
RTÉ lyric fm
From 7.00am – 10.00am on Marty in the Morning, acclaimed pianist Finghin Collins will join Marty Whelan for an engaging conversation about the world of music. Finghin will discuss his role as Artistic Director of the forthcoming New Ross Piano Festival, preview highlights from the Dublin International Piano Competition, and share insights into Music for Galway’s plans as it prepares to celebrate its 45th season.
Finghin Collins
From 7.00pm – 10.00pm, RTÉ lyric fm Live with Paul Herriott brings us Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra live from the National Concert Hall, Dublin, and critically acclaimed British saxophonist Jess Gillam under the leadership of Alexander Shelley for a special Culture Night programme including Bernstein’s Candide Overture, Anna Clyne’s Glasslands, Augusta Holmès’ La nuit et l’amour, and the cinematic brilliance of John Williams’ Star Wars. The programme blends favourites with contemporary works for this Culture Night special.
RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta
Join Peadar Ó Riada for Cuireadh Chun Ceoil, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s traditional music programme from 7.00pm – 9.00pm. The programme will feature performances, recordings, conversation and insights into Ireland’s musical heritage as part of a Culture Night special edition. From 3.00pm – 5.00pm, join Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill for Pé Scéal É to preview Culture Night events.
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
The RTÉ Concert Orchestra is heading to Co. Donegal with a very special brass ensemble for a special Culture Night celebration in two secondary schools. Keep an eye on RTÉ CO socials on Friday 18 September to see the students’ response to seeing a brass octet perform jazz, trad and big band favourites up close.
RTÉ Culture
RTÉ Culture will hand over the editorial reins to acclaimed Irish filmmaking duo DADDY – AKA Mike Ahearn and Enda Loughman – who will guest edit the site for the day, sharing a selection of their own cultural recommendations and inspirations.
Emma Gilleece
Across RTÉ Culture’s social channels, architectural historian Emma Gilleece will also offer audiences an exclusive preview of her forthcoming book, This Modern World. Bringing her expertise and enthusiasm for Ireland’s built environment to the conversation, Emma will explore some of the stories, ideas and architecture behind the book ahead of her appearance on RTÉ One’s Culture Night special that evening.
In addition, RTÉ Culture will bring you highlights from RTÉ’s Culture Night celebrations across TV, radio and online.
Find a Culture Night event near you here