Artur Pizarro, Matthew Ford & Monica Mancini - RTÉ Concert Orchestra February concerts at the NCH

RTÉ Concert Orchestra featuring Artur Pizarro
Opening the RTÉ Concert Orchestra Signature Series 2012
Wednesday 1 February, 8pm
National Concert Hall

RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Artur Pizarro piano
John Wilson conductor

Adams The Chairman Dances
Gershwin Piano Concerto in F
Copland Hoe-Down from Rodeo
Barber First Essay for Orchestra
Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Since winning the Leeds Piano Competition in 1990, stunning Portuguese pianist Artur Pizarro has won international acclaim for his 'breath-takingly sensitive playing' (Glasgow Herald). He makes his debut with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra with Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F, full of jazz flavours and energy, ending with what Gershwin called an 'orgy of rhythm'! This evening of American gems also features Barber's inspirational First Essay for Orchestra, Copland's exuberant Hoe-Down and the glorious Symphonic Dances from Bernstein's West Side Story, all under the RTÉ CO's Principal Guest Conductor John Wilson.

Tickets: €11-€38 (conc. €10-€35)
Booking: 01 417 0000 or www.rte.ie/concertorchestra

Fly Me to the Moon
Tuesday 14 February, 8pm
National Concert Hall

RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Mark Nightingale musical director
Matthew Ford vocals

There are jazz concerts and jazz concerts. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra has in recent years developed this strand into simply the best orchestral jazz, swing and croon to be heard in the country: top artists, the best big band players in the business, and original arrangements.

So for a mellow, stylish Valentine's evening - or just a great night's music - join the RTÉ Concert Orchestra & Big Band and award-winning jazz singer Matthew Ford for classics from Dino, Sinatra, Munro and more. That's Amore, Cry Me a River, Come Fly with Me and of course Fly Me to the Moon, all in the authentic arrangements.

Always in demand, Matthew Ford has worked with the BBC Big Band, the Grammy-nominated John Wilson Orchestra, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra and is a popular guest with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

The sound of an era, and some classy romance for the night that's in it!

Tickets: €20-€40 (conc. €18-€36)
Booking: 01 417 0000 or www.rte.ie/concertorchestra

RTÉ Concert Orchestra with Monica Mancini
Part of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra Signature Series 2012
Thursday 23 February, 8pm
National Concert Hall
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Greg Field music director
Monica Mancini vocals

Daughter of famed film composer Henri Mancini and the notable studio singer Ginny O'Conner, Monica Mancini joins the RTÉ Concert Orchestra to perform a range of music from Moon River and Charade to The Pink Panther as well an array of her own compositions.

Already nominated for two Grammys, Monica Mancini has carved an impressive career as a recording artist and concert performer. Having featured on a range of film scores and recorded with artists like Placido Domingo, Horace Silver, Josh Groban, Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, Mancini now makes her debut with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra..

'she proved that even though she was singing her father's music, she certainly isn't riding on his coattails. She gave what might be considered definitive interpretations of Days of Wine and Roses and Moon River' -The Buffalo News

Tickets: €15-€45 (conc. €13-€42)
Booking: 01 417 0000 or www.rte.ie/concertorchestra