Ulster Orchestra

Meet the 30-year-old who’s the Ulster Orchestra’s new principal conductor

Anna Handler, currently kapellmeister with Deutsche Oper and assistant conductor at Boston Symphony Orchestra, takes over from Daniele Rustioni

Wed Jun 17 2026 - 05:16

‘It’s really a coup’: Irish Baroque Orchestra to make BBC Proms debut with Handel ‘Dublin’ oratorio not performed since 18th century

Irish Baroque Orchestra only the second ensemble from the Republic to perform at the British classical music festival

Thu Apr 24 2025 - 09:00

Composer Ailís Ní Ríain: ‘Because I’m not bringing full hearing to any situation, I rely on other tools’

The musician, who is deaf/hard of hearing, talks about her latest work, The Land Grows Weary of its Own, which has its Irish premiere this month

Wed Feb 12 2025 - 05:15

‘I would now identify as Irish rather than British. It was a very proud day when my Irish passport showed up’

Composer Stephen McNeff was born in Belfast, then grew up in south Wales. His Irishness has become increasingly important to his identity

Mon Jan 20 2025 - 05:15

Belfast Philharmonic Society marks 150th anniversary with outstanding performance of Elijah

Choir re-creates first concert with Mendelssohn at Ulster Hall, featuring soloists Ben McAteer, Elinor Rolfe Johnson, Claire Barnett-Jones and Dean Power

Mon Dec 02 2024 - 13:48

Conductor Daniele Rustioni says a fond goodbye to the Ulster Orchestra: ‘Some of the music was fantastic – it touched heaven’

The orchestra will say farewell to its dynamic, charismatic music director with a performance of Mahler’s epic Symphony No 2, Resurrection

Sat May 04 2024 - 05:15

Riot Symphony composer Conor Mitchell: ‘I’m hoping that one of Pussy Riot will come to the concert’

The composer’s new work, which is to receive its world premiere with the Ulster Orchestra, commemorates anti-Nazi protester Sophie Scholl

Sat May 04 2024 - 05:15