The Irish Youth Wind Ensemble returns with a programme of Irish premieres and musical adventure.
This August Bank Holiday weekend, over seventy of Ireland’s most exciting young wind, brass and percussion musicians will take audiences on a spectacular musical adventure as the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble (IYWE) presents From Skylines to Shadows, an exhilarating concert programme celebrating the colour, power and imagination of the modern wind ensemble.
Following their concert at St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway, the night before, the ensemble will be performing in the magnificent surroundings of the impressive Great Hall at IMMA, Dublin. This Sunday night concert promises Dubliners an unforgettable showcase of exceptional young talent, brought together from across Ireland under the direction of Artistic Director Ronan O’Reilly.
From the vibrant streets of New York to mysterious haunted worlds, sweeping Scottish landscapes and breathtaking reimaginings of Beethoven, the programme journeys across continents, cultures and emotions. Featuring works by Philip Sparke, Nelson Jesus, John Mackey, Franco Cesarini, Nigel Hess and Johan de Meij, the repertoire explores everything from dazzling virtuosity and cinematic grandeur to moments of profound reflection and lyrical beauty.
Several of the works are believed to receive their Irish premieres, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience exciting new additions to the wind ensemble repertoire.
Speaking about this year’s programme, Artistic Director Ronan O’Reilly says: “This year the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble takes their audiences on an extraordinary musical journey – from the energy and excitement of Philip Sparke’s A Weekend in New York to the haunting imagination of John Mackey’s Haunted Objects and the symphonic brilliance of Johan de Meij’s Extreme Beethoven.
Uniting some of Ireland’s most talented young musicians for an intensive week of collaboration and discovery, the programme reflects everything that makes youth music-making so exciting: curiosity, ambition, imagination and joy”.
With over 70 performers, From Skylines to Shadows promises an evening of extraordinary musicianship, thrilling performances and powerful musical storytelling.
The Irish Youth Wind Ensemble is funded by the Arts Council.
From Skylines to Shadows | Irish Youth Wind Ensemble Summer Tour
Saturday, 1 August 2026 | 7.00pm. St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway
Sunday, 2 August 2026 | 7.00pm. The Great Hall, IMMA Venues, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin
Tickets: €20 / €10 concession (+bf) available at IYWE.IE
Feature Image – Keith Wiseman
