Irish Baroque Orchestra to become second-ever Irish Orchestra to perform at BBC Proms
- Published on: 29 August 2025
- Last updated on: 29 August 2025
Minister O’Donovan offers congratulations on their debut
The Irish Baroque Orchestra will have their debut performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on Saturday (August 30th) as part of the renowned BBC Proms Season, becoming only the second-ever Irish orchestra invited to do so in the event’s 130 year history.
The Orchestra will perform the 1742 Dublin version of Handel’s Alexander’s Feast on Saturday at 7.30 pm as part of the BBC Proms Season. The performance will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, offered his congratulations on this historic occasion.
This performance by the Irish Baroque Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall is an acknowledgement of the growing profile of this vibrant ensemble and their visionary leader, Peter Whelan. Through Culture Ireland’s support, we are happy to play our part in this historic moment and send all involved our very best wishes and congratulations.
The BBC Proms has a global audience and is one of the best known and best loved classical music festivals in the world with international orchestras and ensembles performing regularly at the festival.
Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Whelan said:
The Irish Baroque Orchestra’s appearance at the BBC Proms proves that the Irish Cultural renaissance has now reached the sphere of Classical Music. Our performance features a previously neglected, uniquely Irish version of one of Handel’s greatest works, tailor-made for his Dublin audience in 1742. Our heritage in Classical Music is far richer than many have realised - it’s a story that the world wants to hear and of which we can be proud.
This work has already been experienced by Irish audiences with recent performances by the Irish Baroque Orchestra at Kilkenny Arts Festival and Dublin HandelFest.
The Irish Baroque Orchestra receives principal funding from Arts Council Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and support from Culture Ireland for its international touring.