Highlights - Saturday 26th July to Friday 1st August

WEEKEND CLASSICS WITH CLAUDIA BOYLE

Soprano Claudia Boyle sets the mood for a relaxing weekend. Whether you are catching up on things, chilling out or enjoying leisure activities, unwind to some of the world's most beautiful classical music. Claudia promises lots of treats on the show including her Musical Menu where she looks at Classical Music connections with food and drink, she will have many musical greats on the show (excluding herself!) in Divas and Divos, and there will be something for the little ones in the house in Claudia's Kids' Classics. The show will be topped off with new releases, including an album of captivating orchestrations of Bach classics by the late conductor Andrew Davis. All this, and much loved melodies from across the genres! Join Claudia Saturday and Sunday from 4pm as she brings you the ultimate weekend playlist.

RTÉ lyric fm, Saturday 16th July, 4pm-6pm

OPERA NIGHT WITH PAUL HERRIOTT

Irish National Opera presents Berlioz's Beatrice & Benedict

Revel in Berlioz's Beatrice & Benedict, a sparkling adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, that proves that the art of romance is ageless. Best enemies and more than just verbal sparring partners, Beatrice and Benedict love to quarrel, needle and sling insults. Their battle of wits echoes the playful complexities of modern relationships, where humour often disguises true feelings.

Award winning actor Fiona Shaw is the narrator, with acclaimed mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy, celebrated for her powerful and nuanced portrayals in productions from the Metropolitan Opera to Covent Garden performing as Beatrice. The charismatic tenor David Portillo brings his refined vocal artistry to the role of Benedict.

Beatrice & Benedict features Irish talent including, soprano Anna Devin, mezzo-soprano Niamh O'Sullivan, bass-baritones Padraic Rowan and John Molloy with UK based baritone Paul Grant completing the exceptional ensemble. Irish National Opera Orchestra is conducted by Ryan McAdams.

RTÉ lyric fm, Saturday 26th July, 7pm-10pm

VOX NOTRA WITH VLAD SMISHKEWYCH

This Sunday marks the 500th Sunday of Vox Nostra - 500 weekends of Sunday morning early music explorations since our first programme aired on the 3rd of January, 2016. Vlad celebrates this auspicious milestone with music from other centenary anniversary celebrations from this year, including Orlando Gibbons, Alessandro Scarlatti, JS Bach, Vivaldi, and lesser-known composers John Blitheman and Francesco Barsanti. New releases from the first half of 2025 are on the playlist as well - don't miss this special celebratory Sunday on Vox Nostra!

RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 27th July, 7am-10am

EVENING SONG WITH SHIRLEY KEANE

Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of song, from madrigals to ballads, art song to chanson, exquisite airs to simple tunes, as Shirley Keane showcases great songs that stand the test of time.

RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 27th July, 6pm-7pm

NIALL CARROLL'S CLASSICAL DAYTIME

Niall Carroll plays music from the heart of the classical repertoire, with Sounds on Screen, a piece from the big or small screen each day at 11am, and each day at midday one of Niall's Five of a Kind. This week Niall chooses movements from five pieces by Fanny Mendelssohn.

RTÉ lyric fm, Monday 28th July, 10am-1pm

THE FULL SCORE WITH LIZ NOLAN

Our Summer Lunchtime Concert live from the National Concert Hall, Dublin features the Norwegian superstar Mari Samuelsen, as she directs the RTÉ Concert Orchestra from the violin for a programme of string magnificence.

Samuelsen brings her unique and breathtaking virtuosity to a programme including Max Richter's 2012 reimagining of The Four Seasons and Arvo Pärt's Tintinnabuli-style Fratres.

RTÉ lyric fm, Tuesday 29th July, 1pm-4pm

LORCAN MURRAY’S CLASSIC DRIVE

Classic Drive brings you the perfect musical soundtrack, including Lorcan's Pick of the Week: pianist Vladimir Feltsman's new release Journey Home, a musical evocation of the peace and joy of being 'home'. The listeners choose the playlist with a themed midweek choice. And with news, weather and sports, Lorcan's with you all the way!

RTÉ lyric fm, Wednesday 30th July, 4pm-7pm

MYSTERY TRAIN WITH JOHN KELLY

Mystery Train is a nightly journey through the many wonders of recorded music - from its vintage glories to the latest sounds. Essential listening for the discerning music fan.

RTÉ lyric fm, Thursday 31st July, 7pm-9pm

AEDÍN IN THE AFTERNOON

Aedín gets us in the mood for the long weekend with her usual eclectic selection of music. Caimin Gilmore is one of Ireland's leading young double bassists, and we'll take a listen to his new album out today, BlackGate which marks his emergence as a major new compositional voice. A fine selection of Norwegian musicians today too, violinist Mari Samuelsen, pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and singer-songwriter Ane Brun.

RTÉ lyric fm, Friday 1st August, 1pm-4pm

RTÉ LYRIC LIVE WITH PAUL HERRIOTT

Join Marty Whelan and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra for 'Marty in the Evening', recorded live from the Summer Proms 2025 at the University Concert Hall Limerick. Join the RTÉ lyric fm breakfast presenter for entertaining anecdotes and chat, plus the finest music from his popular morning radio show. Joining him are guest vocalists Angeline Ball, Ava Dodd and Tim Howar, plus pianist Conor Linehan, violinist Peter Ryan and conductor Stephen Bell, performing everything from Puccini to Morricone, and Massenet to Bacharach.
(Recorded Saturday 21 June, 2025)

RTÉ lyric fm, Friday 1st August, 7pm-10pm