Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra Concerts 2025

The Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra presents ‘The Harmony of Nations’ concerts this August.

The IYBO returns in 2025 under Director Claire Duff, with a programme celebrating the diverse styles which emerged in 18th century Europe. From the opulence of the French Baroque to the energy of the Italian, crowned with Muffat’s ‘Passacaglia’, this programme is a European tour in musical form, presented by the talented and energetic musicians of the Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra.

Concerts:

  • Friday, 1 August 2025 at St Anne’s Church, Shandon, Cork at 6pm. Cork tickets available online here.
  • Saturday, 2 August 2025 St Stephen’s Church (the Pepper Canister), Dublin at 6pm. Dublin tickets available online here.

IYBO Woodwind Programme 2025:

We are delighted to announce details of the Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra Woodwind Programme for 2025, we are seeking oboe players to learn Baroque oboe. Learn more here.

Successful applicants will be provided with the loan of a quality reproduction historical instrument, and receive tuition from professional musicians specialising in historically informed performance. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Baroque repertoire under a leading woodwind player.

In 2025, we are offering two places for oboe players who are:

  • Of grade 8 standard and above;
  • Aged from 18 – 24 (although slightly older and younger players will be considered too).

The Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra is a partnership between the Irish Baroque Orchestra and the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras.

Claire Duff

As IYBO 2025 approaches, I eagerly anticipate another week of inspiring music-making. The course offers an immersive experience, filled with engaging baroque dance sessions, stimulating rehearsals, and relaxing Feldenkrais sessions. Participants experience an intense period of learning over just a few days, and the progress from the first day to the final concerts is always remarkable.

Each year, a new orchestra is formed, and the standard of performance reaches even greater heights. Everyone performs on period instruments, which we provide if needed. IYBO has a history of delivering fantastic concerts, including performances at Dublin HandelFest and Waterford City Hall in 2024, as well as Varaždin Baroque Evenings Festival in Croatia in 2022, where the orchestra was honored with the Ivan Werner Award. I am incredibly proud of what the IYBO musicians achieve each year, and I am very much looking forward to meeting and collaborating with the talented musicians who will form IYBO 2025.

Claire Duff
Director
Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra