Feis Ceoil 130 | Between the Wars: 1920s–1940s

In 2026, Feis Ceoil celebrates its 130th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Feis Ceoil and the National Gallery of Ireland are joining forces to showcase the intertwined history of music and visual art over this formative period in Ireland’s history. 

Four collaborative events will be held in the Gallery's Shaw Room over the course of 2026, featuring important Irish art and live performances by acclaimed Feis Ceoil alumni. Each event will include a presentation on selected artworks from the Gallery's collection, followed by a live classical performance by the featured artist, both commemorating a key period in Feis Ceoil’s history (1897- 2026).

The second in the series takes place on Thursday 26 March, exploring the theme of 'Between the Wars: 1920s-1940s'. The evening will begin with a short presentation on the featured artwork with Niamh MacNally, Curator of the Prints & Drawings Study Room, followed by a performance by the feature performers Patrick Rafter and Dida Condria, who have devised a programme to entertain and inform, with representative composers from the featured era.  

• Featured artwork: William Orpen (1878-1931), Portrait of John Count McCormack (1884-1945), Tenor, 1923, presented by Niamh MacNally, Curator of the Prints & Drawings Study Room
• Featured performers: Patrick Rafter (violin) and Dida Condria (piano)

Programme:
Nikolai Medtner - Sonata No. 2, 2nd movt.
Ralph Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending
Sergei Prokofiev - Five melodies for violin and piano
Ina Boyle - Songs transcribed for violin and piano

About the featured performers: 

Patrick Rafter is a multiple prize winner at Feis Ceoil, competing both on violin and in Orchestral Conducting, another of his passions.  During the course of his successful career he has always shown great generosity with his time and talents, performing at numerous concerts in support of the Feis.  Of his experience, Patrick says: “The Feis Ceoil is one of the greatest pillars of my musical foundation. Having a competition that caters for all ages, repertoire, and ensembles is one of the most important assets to Irish musicians. I cherish my memories. My experiences at the Feis Ceoil have so greatly aided me in becoming the musician I am today.”. Read more about Patrick here: www.patrickrafter.com   

Dida Condria has been a more recent competitor at Feis Ceoil winning major prizes as recently as 2024.  Now studying in Scotland, she has turned her attention to international competitions, and reached the semi-final of the Dublin International Piano competition in May 2025.  She is also a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Future. As well as her solo work, Dida loves chamber and orchestra collaborations.