University of Limerick will welcome one of Ireland’s most distinguished composers, Bill Whelan, for an intimate evening of music.
Taking place as part of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance’s Academy Artist Series, the special event on Wednesday, 23 April 2026 offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear from the composer whose work for theatre, film, and orchestra has resonated with fans around the world.
He has worked with some of the most important popular music artists in Ireland and internationally, including U2, Van Morrisson, and Kate Bush, as a producer and arranger, but it is as a composer that he has made a significant impact on the cultural life of Ireland and the world.
Best known internationally for his GRAMMY Award-winning score for Riverdance, Bill Whelan was awarded an honorary doctorate by University of Limerick and is an Honorary Freeman of the City of Limerick.
Dr Sandra Joyce, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences said: “University of Limerick is deeply privileged to welcome Bill Whelan for this special performance, celebrating the extraordinary contribution he has made to Ireland’s cultural life.
“This event reflects the University’s deep commitment to arts and culture as central to academic life, creative practice, and public engagement, reinforcing UL’s role as a national and international centre for artistic excellence.”
Professor Helen Phelan, Director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, said: “The Academy Artists Series provides a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes with amazingly high calibre artists as they share firsthand stories of the twists and turns in their creative journeys. We are honoured and excited to be hosting this special evening with Bill Whelan.”
A limited number of seats are available and can be reserved here with a donation of €125 to the UL Foundation.
In a gesture of support, Bill Whelan has kindly waived his fee so that all proceeds from the evening will go directly to the Academy Stepping Stones Scholarships.
These scholarships support students from culturally rich but economically challenged backgrounds to pursue postgraduate study at the Irish World Academy.
“At the UL Foundation, we see first‑hand how transformational scholarships can be: they open doors, relieve financial pressure, and allow students to focus fully on reaching their potential,” explained Sarah Hartnett, Director of Development, UL Foundation.
“We are sincerely grateful to Bill for his support and generosity in waiving his fee, ensuring that the proceeds will directly benefit Stepping Stones scholars and make a lasting difference to the lives of these students.”
The Academy Artist Series continues UL’s tradition of connecting students with world-leading artists while creating meaningful opportunities for philanthropic support that expands access to arts education.