President Michael D Higgins launched a nationwide musical tribute to essential workers at 6pm on European Music Day, Sunday 21 June.
Musicians joined President Higgins on the steps of Áras an Uachtaráin to perform Beethoven’s 'Ode to Joy' (Óid don Lúcháire), the European Anthem, before the musical salute continued with a larger group of musicians and singers led by the acclaimed soprano Mairéad Buicke on the steps of the National Concert Hall, Dublin.
Ode to Joy echoed across the entire nation as musicians and music lovers were called on to perform their own European Music Day tribute to all frontline workers within their local communities, while maintaining physical distancing.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, President Higgins has spoken many times about the importance of recognising our essential workers.
