Where music is heard at its best
Music Patron composer Amelia Clarkson takes us on a musical tour of her city, Belfast.Â
Ulster Hall
A dance hall during WWII, a boxing venue in the 1940s and 50s, a site for political rallies, the stage for legendary rock acts and the so-called birthplace of punk.
When I think of classical music in Belfast, I think of the Ulster Hall. Built in 1859, it has a complex history: a dance hall during WWII, a boxing venue in the 1940s and 50s, a site for political rallies, the stage for legendary rock acts and the so-called birthplace of punk – all before becoming home to the Ulster Orchestra, Northern Ireland’s national full-time symphony orchestra.
Not long ago, I penned the double bar line on my new orchestral piece The Rain Keeps Coming, commissioned by the Ulster Orchestra. It will be performed here on Friday 10th October 2025, marking both my debut with my home orchestra and the first performance of my music in this esteemed hall.
Sonic Arts Lab, SARC, Queen’s University
Opened by Karlheinz Stockhausen in 2004, I’m declaring it the coolest venue in this list.
For contemporary music fans, the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC) is a must-see. Opened by Karlheinz Stockhausen in 2004, I’m declaring it the coolest venue in this list.
The space has a unique (and slightly formidable) grated floor, suspended 4 metres above the basement, with 84 speakers which allow sound to move 360 degrees around the room.
I first encountered SARC through Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble, Belfast’s leading contemporary music ensemble who perform at SARC every year. As part of their 2022 season, they performed my piece I AM LEDA.Â
Watch: I AM LEDA | Amelia Clarkson performed by Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
Traditional Music
From intimate traditional gatherings to eclectic line-ups spanning local and international cultures, these venues capture the spirit of Belfast music-making.
No portrait of Belfast’s music would be complete without its vibrant trad. scene. With no shortage of choice, it’s tricky to pick but…
For me, the standouts are Madden’s, The Sunflower, and The John Hewitt, but you’ll find sessions happening across the city every night of the week. From intimate traditional gatherings to eclectic line-ups spanning local and international cultures, these venues capture the spirit of Belfast music-making.
Belfast’s theatres
Perhaps cheating a little, as these are not primarily music venues, but Belfast’s main theatres regularly host some of the city’s most exciting musical events.
The MAC
The venue that holds the record for the highest number of minutes of my music performed!
This venue takes the prize for where I’ve spent the most time. In the heart of the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, The MAC is a hub for new writing, contemporary dance, and experimental performances. Their foyer has long been one of my favourite places to work (and I have completed more than a few coffee loyalty cards) and visitors are always in awe of its iconic 400-wire rainbow by Mark Garry.Â
It’s also the venue that holds the record for the highest number of minutes of my music performed! White Doves (2023) Belfast’s first new ballet, and The Clearing for the 2025 Belfast International Ballet Festival, both with Six Dance Collective.Â
Lyric Theatre Belfast
I was part of the team which brought local dance back to the Lyric after an eight-year hiatus
Known primarily as Northern Ireland’s home for new playwriting, the Lyric Theatre Belfast also co-produces opera and musical theatre with Northern Ireland Opera and the Belfast Ensemble.
I had long dreamed of presenting work in the Lyric’s iconic foyer and lofty auditoriums, and in February 2025 that vision came true. I was part of the team which brought local dance back to the Lyric after an eight-year hiatus with The View from Mars from Six Dance Collective, which told a futuristic psychodrama with one dancer and one cellist.
Grand Opera House
Velvet-lined and gilded, it hosted some of my earliest musical experiences.
Last but not least, the Grand Opera House is a beautiful Victorian theatre, recently restored at a hefty cost of £12 million. Velvet-lined and gilded, it hosted some of my earliest musical experiences – namely attending touring musicals with my Mum. Today, it remains Belfast’s home for large-scale musical theatre tours, and each year it stages Northern Ireland Opera’s flagship opera production.