Join the Brussels Chamber Ensemble at Flagey on December 8, 2026, for the official Irish Presidency Concert, presented in partnership with the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union. This festive evening celebrates the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union through a vibrant programme dedicated to the richness of Ireland’s musical heritage, paired with one of the great masterpieces of the symphonic repertoire.

The concert opens with an electrifying start: Bill Whelan’s Cloudsong & Reel Around the Sun from the Riverdance Suite. Instantly recognisable around the world, this exhilarating music captures the spirit and rhythm of Ireland, bringing the energy and joy of the Riverdance tradition directly into the concert hall.

Continuing its commitment to supporting emerging composers, the Brussels Chamber Ensemble will present the winning work of the BCE “Sounds of Ireland” Composition Competition. The piece highlights a new generation of musical talent from Ireland and will receive a special performance during the concert.

The first half concludes with Charles Villiers Stanford’s Irish Rhapsody No. 1, a beloved orchestral work that masterfully blends symphonic writing with traditional Irish melodies. Its central section features a moving orchestral interpretation of the famous tune “Danny Boy”, before building toward a brilliant and triumphant finale.

After the interval, the orchestra performs Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, one of the most profound and celebrated works of the Romantic repertoire. From its hauntingly beautiful opening melody to its monumental final movement, Brahms’ Fourth Symphony offers extraordinary emotional depth and symphonic power, providing a magnificent conclusion to this evening celebrating Ireland and the universal language of music.

Founded in Brussels and bringing together EU professionals and talented young musicians, the Brussels Chamber Ensemble is dedicated to celebrating Europe through music. Known for its Presidency concerts honouring the rotating Council Presidencies, BCE creates musical bridges between European cultures while performing some of the most beloved works of the orchestral repertoire.

For more information, visit brusselschamberensemble.eu or @brusselschamberensemble on Instagram and Facebook.