Popular summer organ series set for return to Tullamore

The Tullamore International Summer Organ Series returns to the Church of the Assumption in July with a programme of concerts featuring internationally renowned performers from Ireland, France, Italy and Russia.

The annual series will present four concerts on consecutive Tuesday evenings at 8pm throughout the month, showcasing the rich diversity of organ and choral music.

The series opens on Tuesday, July 7, with 'Voices of Light' featuring the choir of St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin, under the direction of Thomas Charles Marshall.

This wonderful choral group will highlight the works of the highly regarded English composer, Cecilia McDowall.

Also featuring on July 7 will be Professor Gerard Gillen, one of Ireland’s most distinguished organists and church musicians, who served as artistic director of the Tullamore International Summer Organ Series from its inception in 1999 until 2024.

Professor Gillen was head of music at Maynooth University from 1985 to 2007, and was titular organist of Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral from 1976 to 2018.

He has enjoyed an international career spanning more than 1,000 recitals in major venues across Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

On Tuesday, July 14, Russian organ virtuoso Ekaterina Melnikova brings 'From Moscow with Majesty: Russian Organ Masterworks' to Tullamore.

An acclaimed organist, composer and international competition winner, Melnikova has performed at prestigious venues including Westminster Abbey, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Hall.

Her programme will feature works by the likes of Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Borodin, alongside several of her own compositions.

The third concert, 'From Saint-Sulpice: The French Symphonic Organ', takes place on Tuesday, July 21, and features celebrated French organist Daniel Roth.

He will be joined by his son, composer and horn player Félix Roth, for a programme including works by Bach, Franck, Widor, Messiaen and Duruflé.

The series concludes on Tuesday, July 28, with 'The Splendours of Baroque Bologna', a celebration of Italian Baroque music.

The concert will feature Italian countertenor Francesco Giusti, Irish cellist and viol player Norah O’Leary, and Tullamore International Summer Organ Series Artistic Director Charles Marshall.

Originally from Westmeath, Thomas Charles Marshall is Organist and Director of Music at St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin, and Director of Music at St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare.

He took over as Artistic Director of the Tullamore International Summer Organ Series in 2025.

All concerts take place at the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, beginning at 8pm.

All the action in the Organ Gallery is projected on to two large screens in the altar area. The Tullamore International Summer Organ Series wishes to acknowledge the great support of The Trench Trust, Offaly County Council and Tullamore Credit as well as its many friends and patrons.

Tickets (€15 per concert) are available at the Esker Arts Centre box office online or at the door.