Celtic Symphonies

The evening is built around a wide collection of orchestral works inspired by the landscapes and folk traditions of the British Isles and France. You will hear a range of textures, from the atmospheric swells of Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and Bax’s Tintagel to the more rhythmic, lighthearted movements of Arnold’s The Padstow Lifeboat and Grace Williams’s Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes. The programme highlights how various composers, including Stanford and Harty, have integrated traditional Irish melodies into the formal symphonic structure. Listen for the contrast between the lush string writing in Trimble’s Air and the more technical, high-energy violin work in the finale of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy. This selection offers a broad view of the nineteenth and twentieth-century romantic style, moving through maritime scenes, pastoral dances, and rhapsodic tributes to Brittany and the Welsh hills.

The Ulster Orchestra, the professional symphony orchestra of Northern Ireland, is joined by conductor Anna Handler and violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain. The ensemble is well-known for its dedication to both the standard classical repertoire and works that reflect its regional heritage. Ní Bhriain is recognised for her ability to bridge the gap between traditional folk playing and the demands of the classical concerto stage. Handler brings her leadership to a diverse list of works that require both delicacy in the quieter movements and a robust sound for the larger orchestral flourishes.

This performance takes place at the Ulster Hall in Belfast and is scheduled to last approximately 120 minutes. The variety of shorter pieces and the approachable, melodic nature of the folk-inspired themes make this an ideal event if you are new to orchestral music or prefer a programme of contrasting shorter works rather than a single lengthy symphony. Tickets start from ten pounds, providing an accessible entry point for students or first-time visitors to the hall. There is no specific dress code for this concert; most attendees usually opt for smart-casual attire.