Patrick Rafter & Fiachra Garvey

I’ll get my coat!” cried Patrick Rafter when Maxim Vengerov phoned to invite him to study with him in Switzerland, and since then, Patrick’s diary has been stuffed with performance dates with some of the most prestigious orchestras and conductors in the world. Kilkenny born, he swapped his hurl for a bow, and his swift rise to being one of Ireland’s finest musicians is no surprise given his innate musicianship, his dazzling technique and his passion.

Fiachra Garvey is possessed of a maturity and profound understanding of his art, which when combined with his infectious enthusiasm for music-making, has already captivated audiences in concert halls across Europe and beyond. Patrick and Fiachra have planned a beautifully-ethereal programme, with works by Fauré, Franck and Ysaÿe presented alongside the world premiere of a new Music Network commission by Emma O’Halloran.

Along with this beautiful programme of music, viewers will hear from the musicians in interviews hosted by Music Network’s CEO Sharon Rollston, and composer Emma O’Halloran will introduce her new work in a short Composer Insight Session during the broadcast.

Individually, Patrick and Fiachra are stellar musicians who are making a significant mark on the international stage. Together, their performance on this digital tour promises to more than clear the very high bar that these young musicians have set for themselves.

“Belonging amongst the greatest violinists… this is passionate, abandoned playing, full of excitement, risks and drama… a dangerously virtuosic ability which seems to feed off itself.” Alexander Bailie, RDS Music Festival on Rafter

“[Garvey] brings a deep and infectious enthusiasm, combined with insight and technical comfort.”  The Sunday Times

Watch Fiachra Garvey performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Watch Patrick Rafter and Maxim Vengerov perform Bach’s Double Concerto for two violins with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra