Feis Ceoil 130 | Founding Years: 1890s-1910s

In 2026, Feis Ceoil celebrates its 130th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Feis Ceoil and the National Gallery of Ireland are joining forces to showcase the intertwined history of music and visual art over this formative period in Ireland’s history. 

Four collaborative events will be held in the Gallery's Shaw Room over the course of 2026, featuring important Irish art and live performances by acclaimed Feis Ceoil alumni. Each event will include a presentation on selected artworks from the Gallery's collection, followed by a live classical performance by the featured artist, both commemorating a key period in Feis Ceoil’s history (1897- 2026).

The first in the series takes place on Thursday 5 February, exploring the theme of the founding years of Feis Ceoil from the 1890s to 1910s. The evening will begin with a short presentation on the featured artwork with Head Curator at the National Gallery of Ireland, Dr Brendan Rooney, followed by a piano recital by the feature performer, Finghin Collins, who will perform works from this era, including Esposito and Stanford.  

• Featured artwork: Walter Osborne (1859-1903), In a Dublin Park, Light and Shade, presented by Dr Brendan Rooney, Head Curator at the National Gallery of Ireland.
• Featured performer: Finghin Collins (piano).

Programme:
Chopin Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1
Esposito Ballade Op. 59 No. 1 
Stanford Caprice Op. 138 No. 4 
Alban Berg Sonata Op. 1 
Debussy L’Isle Joyeuse 
Elaine Agnew “Seagull”

About the featured performer:

Finghin Collins has a long and distinguished association with Feis Ceoil and is one of the Festival’s most ardent ambassadors.  He is a multiple prize winner, having excelled not only on piano, but also on organ and violin.  He has always credited his Feis Ceoil experience with assisting him in his later professional career, saying: "I would not be the pianist I am today without the invaluable experience I gained by taking part in the Feis Ceoil throughout my formative years.  It was the perfect preparation for major International competitions as well as for a performing career and was a very big step on the ladder to greater things!". Find out more on his website, http://www.finghincollins.com/