Athlone Library to host Sing Up for Science event

Midlands Science is inviting music lovers to enjoy a unique free concert this November. Sing Up for Science will be exploring what happens in our brains when we listen to music, as part of Science Week 2026.

Taking place at Athlone Library on Friday, November 6, at noon, the event will bring together science and live music with the acclaimed Bohemian Strings Quartet and science journalist Dr Claire O’Connell as MC.

Audiences can sit back and enjoy a lively programme of popular songs, movie themes and classical favourites, while also discovering some of the fascinating science behind our relationship with music.

Between performances, Claire O’Connell will explore questions including why we love music so much, what happens in our brains when we hear a favourite song and how music can help us when we are feeling stressed.

There will also be a quick Name That Tune section during the concert and if you name the tune correctly you’ll win a book! The programme will include music from David Bowie, Enya and the Pogues and the memorable score from Game of Thrones, and a selection of classical favourites.

Bohemian Strings have performed with an impressive range of internationally renowned artists, including Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, Mick Flannery and Richard Clayderman, and will bring their distinctive sound to this special Science Week performance in Portlaoise.

The event is part of Midlands Science’s programme for Science Week 2026, which aims to provide people across the Midlands with opportunities to engage with science in accessible, creative and entertaining ways.

This unique concert is free to attend, but advance booking is required on www.midlandscience.ie

The event is supported by Research Ireland as part of national Science Week and presented in association with Athlone Library.