Mourne Chamber Music Festival

Name: Mourne Chamber Music Festival
Start: 2026-08-25
End: 2026-08-29
Location: Newcastle

The Mourne Chamber Music Festival returns to Newcastle, Northern Ireland, for its third edition from August 25 to 29, 2026. Centered on the theme 'Summer of Love,' the event presents a series of world-class classical music performances at local venues including the Newcastle Community Cinema and Donard Methodist Church.

Date: Aug 25-29, 2026
Location: Newcastle

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Event summary

Highlights

Performances held at Newcastle Community Cinema and Donard Methodist Church
2026 theme 'Summer of Love' exploring romantic and heartfelt classical works
Premiere of a new regional commission by composer Amelia Clarkson
Programming that champions female composers and the Global Majority

Established by local violinist Orla McGarrity, the Mourne Chamber Music Festival aims to bring high-quality classical music to rural Northern Ireland. The 2026 program explores the theme 'Summer of Love' through a range of musical expressions, from romantic masterpieces to soulful laments. Performances feature works by iconic composers such as Beethoven and Tchaikovsky alongside pieces by female composers and artists from the Global Majority, including Ethel Smyth and George Walker.

A significant highlight for the third year is the debut of a new commission by County Down composer Amelia Clarkson, which draws inspiration from the Mourne coastline's sand dunes and heather. Supported by the Ralph Vaughan Williams Foundation and the Hinrichsen Foundation, the festival also serves as a vital platform for emerging professional musicians to showcase their talent in an intimate community setting.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.