11 October 2026
By Bryan McCarthy
bryan@TheCork.ie
‘The Piano’
A Steinway Celebration Concert at Cork Opera House
Curated by John O’Brien (Conductor) and Ciara Moroney (Pianist), featuring Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra alongside pianists Cormac McCarthy, Ciara Moroney and Fionnula Moynihan—plus a host of soloists across many musical genres and styles, including Jack O’Rourke, Dylan Howe (Hánt), Lucia Evans, Emma Nash, Ross Scanlon.
8pm, Sunday 18th October
Photograph: Clare Keogh
On Sunday 19th October, Cork Opera House will celebrate the arrival of its new Steinway Model B classic grand with a special concert bringing together some of Cork and Ireland’s leading musical talent across classical repertoire, opera, musical theatre, jazz, soul and popular music.
The Steinway will take centre stage alongside the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, conducted by John O’Brien, in a concert curated by O’Brien and acclaimed Cork pianist Ciara Moroney. Featured pianists will include Cormac McCarthy, Ciara Moroney and Fionnuala Moynihan, alongside artists from across the musical landscape including Jack O’Rourke, Dylan Howe (Hánt), Lucia Evans, Emma Nash and Ross Scanlon, and more.
More than a concert to mark the arrival of a new instrument, the event represents a significant statement of intent from Cork Opera House: this is a place where music is made, not simply presented.
The Steinway B will become a permanent part of the artistic life of Cork Opera House, creating new opportunities for artists to rehearse, collaborate, develop work and perform on a large stage. It will support everything from intimate recitals and masterclasses to orchestral concerts, opera, new commissions and collaborations between musicians working across genres.
Eibhlín Gleeson, CEO, Cork Opera House says “It is so exciting for Cork Opera House to have a Steinway in residence. This will change how we think of ourselves as a music house and open the doors to a whole host of new producing and programming opportunities. The Piano is only the start. We are privileged to welcome a wealth of incredible musicians who will join us to welcome our Steinway to the stage. This really will be a night not to be missed. We are deeply grateful to Music Network for seeing our ambition and vision as music producers and presenters, and for supporting the purchase of this piano. I’m so excited about the journey ahead.”
With a high-quality concert piano permanently in residence, Cork Opera House can significantly expand its programme of piano music while creating a more sustainable environment for artistic development. The instrument will support performances by established artists while also providing a valuable resource for Cork’s own community of musicians.
John O’Brien, conductor and co-curator, said: “The new Steinway piano is such a positive benefit to the community of musicians that work with the Cork Opera House, and we are going to have such fun celebrating it with an enormous gala concert of joy, virtuosity and beauty.”
For Ciara Moroney, pianist and co-curator, the arrival of the Steinway represents an exciting new chapter for musicians in the city:
“For so many years, I’ve had the thought, “if only there were a good piano in the Opera House”! Now I’m thrilled to see that become a reality, a beautiful instrument to enhance the Cork Opera House, and all the potential opportunities as a result. I’m honoured to be a part of the concert that will introduce this piano to cultural life in Cork.”
The Steinway Model B was purchased with support from Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme, which awarded Cork Opera House €75,000 towards its purchase.
Tickets for ‘The Piano’ at Cork Opera House, 8pm, Sunday 18th October 2026 are available from the Cork Opera House Box Office. www.corkoperahouse.ie/whats-