Between The Notes 2025
Between the Notes, proudly presented by Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, is a boundary-pushing concert series spotlighting global artists who are reshaping the boundaries of contemporary music, creating sonic landscapes to lose ourselves in, and explore the powerful emotions that exist “between the notes”.
Since its 2023 debut, the series has featured acclaimed acts like Oscar-nominated composer Dustin O’Halloran, Poland’s Hania Rani, Australian pianist Luke Howard, along with Dublin’s own Glasshouse performing the works of Ryuichi Sakamoto. The series has continued to evolve, welcoming Australian composer Sophie Hutchings’ Irish debut, reinterpretations of Sigur Rós and performances by traditional icons Martin Hayes and Iarla Ó Lionáird.
In 2025, Between the Notes expanded to the National Concert Hall with Glasshouse’s return, and hosted standout performances by Federico Albanese, Penguin Cafe, and a powerful staging of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s Drone Mass by Chamber Choir Ireland and Crash Ensemble. Now continuing into the latter part of 2025, Between the Notes presents a standout lineup of international artists:
Crash Ensemble perform Philip Glass’ Glassworks | Sat 19 Jul, 8pm
Crash Ensemble is Ireland’s leading new music ensemble; a group of world-class musicians who explore adventurous, ground-breaking music of today. In their ever-expanding quest to present extraordinary music, they now take on Philip Glass’s seminal work Glassworks — a landmark album of contemporary chamber music comprised of six movements. Composed in 1981, Glassworks marked Philip Glass’s bold attempt to fuse minimalism with pop, crafting classical pieces infused with catchy, accessible hooks - it quickly became one of his most popular and influential works.
“The pieces seem to have an emotional quality that everyone responds to, and they work very well as performance pieces.” - Philip Glass
Crash Ensemble’s performance of the work is an ambitious and faithful reimagining of this iconic album, brought to life through an ensemble of keyboards, flute, saxophone, and voice. They expertly capture the album’s dynamic range, from the stunning simplicity of the opening track, Opening - performed with immaculate precision by Ruth McGinley - to the dense, richly layered textures of pieces like Floe, which requires an impressive arrangement for four keyboards. The ensemble’s interpretation is both technically masterful and emotionally resonant, honouring the spirit of the original while showcasing their artistry.
2. Chad Lawson: Breathe | Sun 12 Oct, 8pm
With multiple #1 releases, over 1 billion streams and a hit mindfulness podcast (Calm It Down), Chad Lawson has captivated audiences worldwide by redefining the classical music experience. Rather than adhering to tradition, Lawson takes a fresh approach to classical music: don’t make it classical.
A naturally introspective performer, he once struggled with the pressures of the spotlight. In response, he began looking at the relationship between music and mental health and with Breathe he has created an avenue where the listener can let go, creating a sound that soothes both body and mind.
Today, Lawson shares that healing journey with audiences around the world. This concert is not a meditation session but has plenty of long pauses and invitations to be present as Lawson takes you through moments of music to repose to.
3. Daniel Herskedal Trio | Thu 23 Oct, 8pm
Norwegian composer and brass virtuoso Daniel Herskedal transports the listener into a vast sonic landscape previously unexplored. His music is cinematic, deeply expressive and reminiscent of the wide, white and wild terrains of Scandinavia. For this first concert in Dún Laoghaire, Herskedal will be joined by the incredibly talented Helge Lien on piano and master percussionist Helge Andreas Norbakken.
Herskedal and trio have beguiled audiences across Europe by pushing the limitations of his instrument and using tuba and bass trumpet in ways that have not been heard before. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience this spellbinding performance.
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4. Niklas Paschburg | Wed 26 Nov, 8pm
Widely regarded as one of the most versatile artists in the contemporary classical scene, Hamburg-born composer Niklas Paschburg creates music that feels equally at home in concert halls, festivals, club stages, and theatres. His distinctive sound blends classical instrumentation with modern electronic production, seamlessly combining piano, accordion, and synthesizers to craft a genre-defying ‘ambient pop’ sound.
Paschburg will visit Dún Laoghaire for an intimate solo performance while on a hugely productive streak to celebrate the July release of his new EP, Mexican Alps, as well as its follow-up L’Écho de Bretagne, out autumn 2025.
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5. Olivia Belli | Fri 5 Dec, 8pm
Moved by her surroundings and a deep connection to music and nature Olivia Belli is a modern classical pianist and composer based in Italy’s Marche region. Her music has reached a global audience through millions of streams and features on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, KEXP, and more.
Belli has performed internationally at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Montreal Jazz Festival and the Concertgebouw and premiered a new organ work at the 2023 BBC Proms. Her 2024 album Intermundia, recorded with members of the Max Richter Ensemble, continues her exploration of sound and emotion.
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6. Andrea Vanzo | Fri 12 Dec, 8pm
Andrea Vanzo is a Bologna-based composer and musician known for his emotionally rich, cinematic sound that blends post-minimalist classical elements with touches of pop and ambient music. His signature style evokes warmth and nostalgia, often drawing inspiration from the natural world and the emotional textures of everyday life. Vanzo’s debut album Intimacy Vol. 1 (2022), rooted in the landscapes of Italy, introduced his distinctive voice in the neoclassical world and received critical acclaim.
In 2024, Vanzo completed his first sold-out European tour and was awarded a GANG Award in the U.S. for his haunting cover of Song of Storms, released via Decca Records. With over one million Instagram followers, he is one of the leading digital voices in the modern classical scene, using his platform to connect with a new generation of listeners. Now back on tour, he is preparing to release Intimacy Vol. 2 in 2025, continuing to expand his cinematic musical language and global influence.