Ode to Joy – A Nation Performs - Tribute to Frontline Workers

2 Sep 2020

National Concert Hall

Jonny Wang (12) is a student at St Mary's NS Saggart where he started learning violin in a whole class string programme with Music Generation South Dublin. He continued his studies of the violin at the Rathcoole Music Hub and has recently joined the Tallaght Strings ensemble.

In June 2020 he had the opportunity to join a selection of Ireland's top musicians and singers on stage to perform 'Ode to Joy' as a tribute to frontline workers on European Music Day. The performance was conducted by Professor James Cavanagh.

Áras an Uachtaráin

The live stream of this event was opened by a short performance from the steps of Áras an Uachtaráin with President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins watching from a social distance. We are so proud that Jonny was also invited to join this performance which he took in his stride. Well done Jonny! A variety of nationwide performances of 'Ode to Joy' took place outdoors by local ensembles and individual musicians. Full list of organisations involved below.

Ode to Joy by composer Ludwig van Beethoven is the official anthem for Europe. European Music Day takes place on the 21st June each year (summer solstice) and a range of other live stream music performances and socially distant performances took place in cities and towns across Europe aswell as Ireland.