Joseph O’Connor will be performing on 10 April at The Royal Albert Hall for Ceiliúradh (Celebration), a concert in honour of President Higgins. This concert will be the cultural highlight of the 4 day State visit by President Higgins and his wife, Sabina, to Britain as guests of Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle.

Special guests include Paul Brady, Imelda May, The Gloaming and Glen Hansard. Also participating will be the renowned actress Fiona Shaw as well as journalists/broadcasters Dermot O’Leary and Olivia O’Leary, and surprise guests to be announced on the night itself.

Irish Ambassador to Britain Dan Mulhall says, “Ireland and Britain are joined together by a two-way flow of influences in literature, theatre, music, song and dance. This event will celebrate the cultural connections between our two countries over the years.”

Joseph O’Connor is the author of the internationally acclaimed STAR OF THE SEA, as well as many other novels including GHOST LIGHT and REDEMPTION FALLS, and several short story collections. He was born in Dublin. His latest novel, THE THRILL OF IT ALL, will be published by Harvill Secker later this year.

Praise for Joseph O’Connor:

‘Joseph O’Connor is a fantastic writer…[STAR OF THE SEA] contains the whole echelon of society, as if Ireland actually is that creaking hull.’ -- David Morrissey, Actor, BAFTA winner

‘GHOST LIGHT displays an astonishing command of voice, using tones that are both tender and powerfully emotional, with a brilliant command of the period.’ – Colm Tóibín

‘Joseph O’Connor has the magic touch, he brings whole eras alive with a touch of his cycloramic pen.’ – Column McCann