07/10/2026
🇮🇪🇪🇺🇨🇦 The Embassy of Ireland to Canada was delighted to host a special reception to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union (July–December 2026).
We were honoured to welcome leaders from across Canadian public life, the diplomatic corps, business, culture and the Irish diaspora to celebrate Ireland’s Presidency.
A highlight of the evening was a beautiful performance of Ode to Joy by the “Note Verbale” EU Ambassadors’ Choir, accompanied by a string quartet of students from Deanna McDougall School of Music, all studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Their performance marked the launch of a special initiative that will see the music of Ode to Joy shared with music schools across Canada, encouraging young musicians nationwide to learn and perform it in celebration of Ireland’s Presidency.
Guests also enjoyed wonderful performances by Dan Dunlop and his band, together with talented traditional Irish musicians from Comhaltas Ottawa, making for an evening of friendship, culture and conversation.
Ireland’s Presidency will focus on three key priorities: Competitiveness, Values and Security, under the guiding spirit of “Ní neart go cur le chéile” — There is no strength without unity.
To learn more about Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, visit Ireland’s EU Presidency website.
🔗https://irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/
Vive le Canada. Vive l’Irlande. Vive l’Europe. 🇨🇦🇮🇪🇪🇺