Following successful performances in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, the internationally acclaimed Kilkenny violinist returns home this December ahead of a prestigious American concert tour in 2027, including an appearance at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Fresh from a highly successful concert tour of California, internationally acclaimed Kilkenny violinist and conductor Patrick Rafter is preparing for a special homecoming performance this December, as plans are confirmed for a major return to the United States next summer.
Rafter recently appeared as a featured soloist with the Vienna Royal Orchestra, performing Mozart’s Fourth Violin Concerto in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The tour included appearances at the celebrated Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco and Jacobs Music Center in San Diego.
Following the success of these performances, Rafter has been invited to return in June 2027, this time appearing in the dual capacity of violin soloist and conductor.
The three-city tour will include a particularly significant appearance at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, one of the world’s most architecturally distinctive and prestigious concert venues, alongside return performances at Davies Symphony Hall and Jacobs Music Center.
The programme will feature Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, with Rafter also conducting Beethoven’s celebrated Emperor Piano Concerto — an important milestone in his developing international conducting career.
“Performing in California was a tremendous experience, and the opportunity to return next year in the capacity of both soloist and conductor is particularly exciting,” said Rafter.
“These are extraordinary concert halls, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to perform in them. Coming from Kilkenny, there is certainly a great sense of pride in representing my hometown internationally.”
An international career with Kilkenny at its heart
Rafter’s career has continued to develop across Europe and the United States, with engagements as violin soloist, director and conductor.
A protégé of legendary violinist Maxim Vengerov, Rafter has performed in internationally renowned venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and Berlin’s Konzerthaus.
He is also a recording artist with the London-based label Rubicon Classics, with his latest orchestral album recorded alongside the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
His growing conducting career will see him take on further orchestral engagements in 2027, while continuing an extensive schedule of solo performances internationally.
Yet alongside these international commitments, Kilkenny remains central to his artistic life.
In 2023, Rafter founded the Marble City Music Festival, creating a platform to bring outstanding Irish and international performers to the city. The festival has since welcomed major ensembles including the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Luminosa Orchestra, establishing itself as an important addition to Kilkenny’s cultural calendar.
“Kilkenny has always been an enormous part of my musical identity,” Rafter explained.
“I’ve been fortunate to perform in some extraordinary places, but I feel very strongly about bringing that same standard of music and artistic experience back to Kilkenny. That was really the driving force behind establishing the Marble City Music Festival.”
A special December homecoming
Following his American tour, Rafter will return to the stage in Kilkenny on Thursday, December 3, joining internationally renowned pianist Tian Jiang for a recital entitled Virtuosity & Romance at St John’s Priory.
The two musicians, who recently performed together during the California tour, will present a programme featuring Paganini, Chopin, Scriabin, Ysaÿe and Tartini’s formidable Devil’s Trill Sonata.
The recital promises an exceptional evening of virtuosity and musical expression, bringing together two internationally experienced artists in the intimate surroundings of one of Kilkenny’s historic churches.
“Having performed together in America, it will be particularly special to welcome Tian to Kilkenny. He is an exceptional pianist, and I’m really looking forward to sharing the stage with him here at home.”
The concert opens a festive series presented by the Marble City Music Festival, followed by Christmas at the Movies on December 4, featuring soprano Megan Walsh, Tara String Quartet, percussionist Rónán Scarlett and Rafter himself.
The festival will conclude the year with a celebratory New Year’s Eve Gala on December 31, featuring the internationally acclaimed ConTempo String Quartet, soprano Laura Ahearne, and Kilkenny musicians Paddy and Maura Rafter.
With major American appearances, further orchestral engagements and new recording projects on the horizon, 2027 promises to be another significant year in Rafter’s international career.
But for the Kilkenny musician, the opportunity to perform for his hometown audience remains a particular highlight.
“There’s something very special about coming home to perform. Kilkenny audiences have supported me throughout my career, and I never take that for granted. To bring these wonderful musicians and concerts to the city is something I’m enormously proud of.”
CONCERT INFORMATION
Virtuosity & Romance — Patrick Rafter & Tian Jiang
Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 8pm
St John’s Priory, Kilkenny
Christmas at the Movies
Friday, December 4, 2026 | 8pm
St Canice’s RC Church, Kilkenny
New Year’s Eve Gala
Thursday, December 31, 2026 | 8pm
St Canice’s RC Church, Kilkenny
Tickets and further information: www.marblecitymusicfestival.com
