March 17th is inevitably known as being the greenest day of the year, in other words Saint Patrick’s Day. To honour the patron saint of Ireland as well as the country’s heritage, culture, and traditions, the Irish embassy hosted a wonderful event in the Royal College of Music (KMH). The evening’s program included a multitude of speeches from the ambassador herself, Her Excellency Barbara Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor of KMH Henrik Frisk, Minister of State Emer Higgins, and State Secretary Christian Danielsson. Additionally, the night consisted of many performances and poetry readings from students of Stockholm International School, Charlotte D. and Victoria M.
Upon arrival at Kungliga Musikhögskolan at 17.30, a large line awaited in front of the college’s glass doors. People of all cultural and professional backgrounds attended the event, and of all ages too. The reception preceding the concert gave the attendees an opportunity to socialise with one another and form connections, all while enjoying fresh drinks and delicious canapés. Traditional Irish music by the band Fada was played during the pre-concert gathering, creating a warm, welcoming, and traditional atmosphere. As 18.30 approached, the doors to the music hall were opened and individuals started making their way towards their seats.
As the room progressively filled with people, the chatter got louder and louder, until the dimmed lights signalled that the concert was about to commence. Francesca Lundvall, a harpist, performed a welcoming tune for the audience to enjoy while waiting for the first speakers to make their appearance on stage. The ambient music was incredibly appreciated by the people and even managed to soothe crying infants through its artistry. Her Excellency Barbara Jones opened the ceremony by walking the attendees through the program and sharing a few words regarding the importance of this day and Irish culture. The ambassador rapidly analysed the Seamus Heaney poems before handing the floor over to Henrik Frisk.
The Royal College of Music’s Pro Vice-Chancellor welcomed the audience and gave a brief introduction about the history of KMH and its importance today. After his captivating speech, the audience rose from their seats and accompanied the vocalist Annie Engvall to honour the two nations by singing both the Swedish and Irish National Anthems.
The Minister of State shared the long-lasting Swedish-Irish relationship and their political similarities in today’s terrifying world. Referencing many of the ongoing global conflicts, he asserted that Ireland has been an incredible source of support for many nations by welcoming many refugees and immigrants. Before passing the microphone to Christian Danielsson, Emer Higgins highlighted Ireland’s incredible milestone as a member of the European Union, which will be taking the lead in the council presidency on July 1st 2026. After one last discourse was given, two students of the Music school, a Swedish folk fiddler and Nordic cittern player, performed a song.
The time finally arrived when Grade 11 students, Charlotte D. and Victoria M., walked onto the stage to recite two timeless poems by the poet Seamus Heaney, “The Blackbird of Glanmore” and “Mid Term Break”. The spotlight was first lit on Charlotte D., who read out the work beautifully, then onto Victoria M. who expressed Heaney’s words just as exquisitely.
The evening ended with a moving performance by the Irish Alt-folk band Moxie. Being inspired by multiple cultures, including French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arab, and Irish, the vocalist enjoys singing her art in various languages. Their set flew by, this innovative and unique style of music evoked much joy within the audience, who could not contain their happiness and contentment.
Ms Littorin, who attended the show, asserted “The performance, at times, brought tears to my eyes. It was a true privilege to witness such dedication to the musical art form unfold before me. I always find it so moving when music brings such joy, togetherness and positivity.” Ms Eadon shared that “It really made me understand what makes a good performance. An unforgettable experience that will stay with me for a long time to come”. The stage presence was inevitably what differentiated them from most modern artists; the way they filled the stage with their dancing was both emotive and pleasant to watch. As the set finished up, the audience had trouble accepting its end, yet had to leave the music hall and make their way back to the lobby.
To their surprise, Moxie’s band members were found conversing with various business people and members of the Swedish Irish Society after the concert. New fans were able to get pictures with them before leaving, showing the band’s pure kindness and warm-heartedness towards its listeners, evidently reflecting Irish warmth and hospitality that was continuously felt and seen throughout the entirety of the evening.
