Irish mezzo-soprano Dame Ann Murray has been announced as The National Concert Hall's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for 2024.

The award wil be presented to Dame Murray at a gala concert hosted RTÉ’s Sean Rocks, featuring special guest soloists together with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Peter Whelan at the National Concert Hall on 30 January 2024.

The evening will contain musical selections from the operas of Handel and Mozart, as well as traditonal folksongs. Guest appearances incudle some of the young artists whose careers Ann has helped develop, including countertenor Cameron Shabazi, tenor Robin Tritschler, baritone Armand Rabot, and pianist Dearbhla Collins.

We are thrilled to announce the recipient of the NCH Lifetime Achievement Award 2024-Irish Mezzo Soprano Ann Murray DBE! Join us on January 30, 2024, for an extraordinary night with the @NSOrchestraIRL, led by Peter Whelan!

Tickets on sale 08/12/23
ℹ️ https://t.co/sqvkm310hA pic.twitter.com/pA64yFk9sA

— National Concert Hall (@NCH_Music) December 6, 2023

“Reflecting on my career, it has been an enormous honour and privilege to sing all over the world. In what I have achieved, I have never forgotten my proud Irish heritage," said Dame Murray.  "I feel honoured to receive the National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award and look forward to celebrating it at the NCH in the New Year”.

"For 2024, it is our great honour to bestow the award on such a deserving and talented recipient as mezzo-soprano Ann Murray,"  added Robert Read, CEO of the National Concert Hall.

"For over 50 years Ann has carved out a truly unique career performing in the great opera houses and concert halls of the world. She has been pioneering in her ambition, paving the way for young Irish singers, while also representing Ireland and its culture through her many performances on international stages."

In 2002, Dame Murray was appointed an honorary Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Golden Jubilee Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to music.

In 2004 she was awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit and in 2007 the Wigmore Hall Gold Medal. She also holds an Honorary Doctorate in Music from the National University of Ireland.

Tickets to National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award 2024: Dame Ann Murray start from €20 and go on sale Friday 8 December via www.nch.ie.