Pic of Day: The University of Limerick's Concert Hall celebrates its 30th anniversary this month with performances from two of Ireland's most prestigious orchestras. UCH became the first purpose-built concert hall in Ireland when it was officially opened on the University of Limerick campus in September 1993 by Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and U.S. Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith. The 1,038-seat auditorium has since attracted performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment including Johnny Cash and June Carter, James Taylor, Billy Connolly, Leslie Garrett, Van Morrison, The King's Singers, Jimmy Carr, Sir James Galway, Christy Moore and the late Sinead O’Connor. The 30th anniversary celebrations commence on Saturday, 21st September, when the Irish Chamber Orchestra with Conductor Christian Curnyn, Mezzo Soprano Sharon Carty and Soprano Anna Devin perform “Stabat Mater," featuring the music of Van Wassenaer, Respighi and Puccini. On Friday, 29th September, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra will host "Beethoven Night." Conducted by Joshua Gersen, the Orchestra will be joined by internationally renowned pianist John O'Conor who was one of the first musicians to perform at UCH in 1993.
