Diana Butler Bass - sunday 12 july 7.30pm
Báyò Akómoláfé - friday 14 august 7.30pm
story glen - a gathering - 14 to 15 august
Summer recitals 2026 - 22 july to 26 august
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 32nd series of Summer Recitals at First Church, Rosemary Street.
The 2026 series, beginning Wednesday 22nd July and running for six consecutive weeks, draws together the finest of our homegrown talent. These are musicians that have excited me and my committee colleagues, and I know that you’re going to be impressed. As ever, we’re presenting a diverse range of styles – so something for everyone – and we’re thrilled that the series coincides with the first visit to Belfast of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with a distinctive offering of our own.
We are grateful to our partners for their creative input and support – Northern Ireland Opera, the Royal Irish Academy, and the Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year Competition – and personally I am indebted to everyone who contributes to the smooth running of the series, upfront and behind the scenes.
Do join us this July and August for something special in the heart of Belfast. Our church has an acoustic that is second to none and a welcome to match.
Richard Yarr MBE DL
Chair, Summer Recitals Committee & Director of Music, First Church
Programme of events
Doors open at 12:30pm, recitals commence at 1.15pm.
Northern Ireland Opera Showcase:
22 July - Éadaoin Hasset (Soprano), Rebekah Devlin (Soprano) and Frasier Hickland (Piano)
29 July - Olivia Burns(Soprano/Mezzo), Neala Cahir (Soprano) and Frasier Hickland (Piano)
Fleadh Special:
5 August - Eugene O’Hagan of the Priests (Tenor), Tristan Russcher (Piano)and Duo Jota: Sam Kane (Fiddle) and Ravi Nathwani (Guitar)
And throughout August:
12 August - Gillian McCutcheon (Clarinet) and Michael Harrison (Piano)
19 August - Senan Sheridan (Piano)
26 August - Young Musician’s Prom: Jed Dunlop (Saxophone), Cameron Moody (Classical Guitar), Saoirse Sturgeon Rippon (Flute), Charlie Short (Percussion) and Tristan Russcher (Piano).
We welcome all to come along and experience some fine classical music in the glorious surroundings at First Church. Please share with your friends and family.
We look forward to seeing you there.