Cowdray Hall Lunchbreak Concert Series

Lunchbreak Concerts have been an important aspect of the Art Gallery’s public programme for many years, offering an important platform for both established and emerging performers. The programme features professional and non-professional musicians, from Aberdeen and the north-east as well as further afield.

Enjoy a midday musical pause in a venue that has long stood as a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

These concerts are free to attend, with donations warmly welcomed. 

The Cowdray Hall was funded by a gift from Annie, Viscountess Cowdray and was constructed to encourage “a taste for art and music in the city of Aberdeen.” It continued the expansion of the Art Gallery (established 1885) and was designed by the same architect, Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, who was also responsible for Australia House and the Waldorf Hotel in London. The Cowdray Hall was opened on 25 September 1925 by King George V and Queen Mary. The redevelopment of Aberdeen Art Gallery (2015–2019) has placed this beautiful venue with its exceptional acoustic at the centre of the Art Gallery complex, a place that celebrates the inspiring power of art and music. Lunchbreak Concerts are just one aspect of a busy programme in the Hall, which also hosts special evening and weekend concerts, talks and lectures, Baby Boogie sessions and Family Ceilidhs

Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said: “As we enter the Cowdray Hall’s centenary year, it is great to welcome back the Lunchbreak Concerts series. These 45-minute performances offer a splendid opportunity to enjoy the power of music in the middle of the day. Over 150 musicians performed at last year’s concerts. The local music groups, emerging artists and professionals who play give a great deal of pleasure to listeners. It is good to know that audience numbers at last year’s concerts was up at 5,000. We look forward to building on that in the year ahead.”