Spotlight: Jessie Grimes

It is such an honour to be named Artist-in-Residence at the National Concert Hall again for the 2025-2026 season. Once was amazing, but twice means I must have done something right!

I’m thrilled to have more time to deepen my relationship with the newly named NCH Discover programme, (formerly Learning & Participation), and to continue my work with the vibrant National Symphony Orchestra Ireland and its inspiring members – particularly as they perform more and more with NCH Discover in its many varied programmes and locations.
 
This season is a pivotal one for Discover, as we prepare for the exciting new Discover Centre – the first step in the NCH’s redevelopment. Even more exciting to me than a shiny, bespoke new building, is the chance to strengthen our engagement with communities all around Ireland during that transition, and far beyond. I also have the privilege of curating a series of workshops with National Symphony Orchestra Ireland to support them as they join us as creative partners in the wider work of Discover.

Alongside all this expansion, I get to continue my favourite part: bringing the awe-inspiring might of symphonic music to audiences everywhere in fresh, joyful and accessible ways. As I see it, the next generation of young music makers and listeners are the life line of culture on this island. That’s why they’re at the heart of my creative work this season. I want everyone to feel ownership of the music that happens at the NCH, and to know that they are welcome to come and make music with us.

We’re continuing to revamp the Music in the Classroom series with vibrant programming and special guest artists; we’re offering more opportunities for schools to connect with live music through dedicated performances of Peter and the Wolf and The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra; and I’m continuing to dream up theatrical, engaging and outlandish ways to present great orchestral repertoire to new audiences with my beloved Symphony Shorts series.

All of this means I get to share the sheer joy of experiencing truly great live music with other humans in one space – how life-giving it is to explore new sounds, and how powerful it is to feel the full force of National Symphony  Orchestra Ireland up close.

This residency also offers me a brilliant opportunity to share another huge part of my artistic life: being a clarinettist. Last season was a gloriously busy series of concerts I wrote and presented – but my poor instrument didn’t get a look in! This year I’m delighted to incorporate my playing into the season with a clarinet masterclass, and we’re hoping to bring my award-winning Jacquin Trio to the hall in the Spring/Summer.

My younger self wouldn’t have believed I’d be given the immense privilege of being Artist-in-Residence in that huge, fancy concert hall in my home town. Come join us this season, bring your mates, and let’s show that little kid just how fun and welcoming that big fancy place can be!