Triskel Arts Centre would like to express our sorrow at the passing of Ralph Towner, a giant in the world of contemporary Jazz, who passed away in Rome on Sunday 16 January 2026, aged 85 years.

Ralph played two solo concerts at Triskel as part of our ECM Programmes, the first in 2016 and again in 2022. Much has been and will be written about his huge contribution to Jazz music – his work with the supergroup Oregon, his superlative collaborations with friends and fellow musicians, and his sublime solo albums made in his years long partnership with Manfred Eicher and ECM Records.

Ralph loved the acoustics of Christchurch, and his appearances here mesmerised audiences who knew they were part of something special. For the 2022 Concert, Ralph had been deeply involved in what would be his last recording for ECM, At First Light.  He had decided that he would give a “special live preview” of the album, performing many of the pieces  publicly for the first time.

That night, the cover artwork of the album was sent to him by ECM, while he was in the dressing room ready to go on stage. We were lucky that night in Cork that we got to be immersed as well in what was a beautiful and truly intimate concert.

Ralph also loved Ireland, and he complained that he had not visited enough.

We extend our condolences especially to Mariella, and to Ralph’s many colleagues, fellow artists and fans throughout the world. Triskel has lost a friend.

Tony Sheehan

Artistic Director

Triskel