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Details
St George's Church
105 High St
Belfast
Co. Antrim
BT1 2AG
Northern Ireland
Tickets
Prices: £15.00
Booking line: 07817988658
Book Tickets
Programme
Gustav Mahler – Des Knaben Wunderhorn: 11, Urlicht
Richard Strauss – Vier Letzte Lieder, TrV 296
Johannes Brahms – Lerchengesang, Op.70 no.2
Johannes Brahms – Die Mainacht, Op.43 no.2
Richard Strauss – Die Nacht, Op.10 no.3
Richard Strauss – 4 Lieder, Op.27
Gustav Mahler – Rückert-Lieder: 'Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen'
Performers
Áine Brolly – soprano
Mark McGrath – piano
Programme Note
Follow the Lieder Promotions is pleased to announce the return of dramatic soprano Áine Brolly and pianist, organist, and composer Mark McGrath to the Parish Church of St George, Belfast, on Saturday 4th October 2025 at 4:00pm. The recital will feature German Lieder by Strauss, Brahms and Mahler, and follows the success of their Wesendonck Lieder performance in 2024.
The event will highlight the close musical partnership between Áine and Mark, whose shared understanding of Lieder brings real depth to their performances. Áine’s expressive and emotive singing coupled with Mark’s attentive, nuanced playing creates profound beauty and a sense of intimacy and connection that draws the audience in. Together, they shape each phrase with care and clarity, guiding listeners through a rich exploration of love, longing, sorrow and joy.
Set in the beautiful and historic Parish Church of St George, the recital offers a chance to enjoy some of the finest Lieder in a venue that complements their depth and character, with warm acoustics and architectural charm.
About the Performers
Áine Brolly – Dramatic Soprano
Áine began her musical training with Judith Sheridan at the Ulster College of Music and went on to study with soprano Suzanne Murphy at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the Irish Academy of Music. She was later awarded a scholarship to the Solti Academy in Italy, where she worked with Kiri Te Kanawa.
Her operatic roles include Dido, Santuzza, Azucena, Charlotte, and the Witch in Hansel & Gretel - each showcasing her ability to bring emotional range and dramatic presence to the stage. While she has performed widely in opera, Áine has a particular affinity for Lieder. Her interpretations of Wagner, Brahms, Mahler, Schumann, Strauss and Fauré are known for their emotional honesty, musical clarity, and her ability to respond instinctively to the mood and meaning of each song.
Her voice carries a rich, full-bodied tone with natural warmth and depth. She shapes each phrase with care and intention, allowing the music and text to speak clearly and with feeling. Her dynamic control and ability to sustain long, expressive lines create a sense of space and stillness, drawing listeners into the emotional world of each piece. Whether exploring themes of love, loss or longing, Áine brings listeners into the heart of each song with a sensitivity that has made her a respected and sought-after interpreter of the genre.
Mark McGrath – Piano
Mark McGrath is a versatile musician whose work spans performance, teaching, composition and musical direction. As a pianist, organist, répétiteur and accompanist, he has built a career around his commitment to choral and theatrical music across Northern Ireland and further afield. He currently serves as Director of Music at St Finnian’s Church, is organist at St George’s, and leads several well-known ensembles including the Police Male Voice Choir, the Belfast Phoenix Choir and the St George’s Singers.
Mark’s work includes both live performance and behind-the-scenes leadership. He was Musical Director of the Centre Stage Theatre Company, where he collaborated with the late Roma Tomelty to compose and perform the original score for The Dark Tower by Louis MacNeice. He has also directed music for Blunt Fringe’s productions such as Jacques Brel is Alive & Well & Living in Paris, The Last Five Years (Lyric Theatre), and The World Goes ‘Round (The MAC). More recently, he has directed Theatre at the Mill’s Christmas show O Holy Knight! and contributed to events like Live at the Lyric and Seisiún at The Lyric Theatre.
Known for his thoughtful musicianship and collaborative approach, Mark’s piano playing combines technical brilliance with profound emotional depth.
A Welcome Return
Following the warm reception of their previous recital at St George’s, Áine and Mark return by popular demand, reflecting Belfast’s growing appetite for world-class Lieder performance. With extensive experience in opera and art song, their partnership brings a fresh, expressive, and deeply engaging interpretation to this classical repertoire.
