The debut broadcast of the dedicated classical and arts music station started at 12pm on 1 May 1999 and RTÉ lyric fm has continued to grow in popularity over the last 25 years.
In a message of congratulations to the station on reaching its milestone birthday President Michael D. Higgins said: "Over the past quarter-century, lyric fm has truly enhanced the cultural landscape of Ireland, showcasing the beauty and diversity of not just classical music but also such a wide range of music that includes traditional, jazz, world music, musicals and film scores.
"It has drawn on such an incredibly diverse range which is one of the station's greatest strengths. In embracing contemporary compositions and bringing innovative, insightful programming to audiences nationwide, the station has become an integral part of our artistic tapestry. It represents public service broadcasting at its best."
The 25th birthday celebrations will be marked by a gala concert in Limerick, home of RTÉ lyric fm, tonight. The concert features the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by David Brophy and a host of performers and lyric presenters. It will broadcast live on lyric fm from 7.30pm.
The concert will feature the music of Puccini, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bizet, Morricone, Bernstein, John Williams, Strauss, Copland, Mascagni, Mancini and many more. Performers include soprano Celine Byrne, tenor Emmet Cahill and the Our Lady Queen of Peace choir from Limerick who won the RTÉ lyric fm Choirs for Christmas competition in 2023.
Presenters from some of the station's best-loved shows gathered to mark the birthday at rehearsals for the RTÉ Concert Orchestra’s performance earlier this week, with Marty Whelan, Aedín Gormley, Paul Herriott, Niall Carroll, Liz Nolan and Lorcan Murray on hand to raise a cheer to RTÉ lyric fm
Head of RTÉ lyric fm Sinéad Wylde said: "RTÉ lyric fm emerged from a chorus of birdsong on 1 May, 1999 and the celebration of our 25th birthday is a very nostalgic time for me, having been part of the original RTÉ lyric fm team.
"On behalf of everyone at lyric fm, I would like to thank our listeners on this special anniversary. We have grown and connected with our audience to become an integral part of our listeners' lives - birthdays, marriages, new beginnings, first days at school, the morning and evening commute, candlelit dinners, times of despair and times of happiness - RTÉ lyric fm is proud and privileged to provide the musical backdrop.
"Central to our service is the experience of live music and we are dedicated to bringing the wonderful music-making that takes place throughout the country in Cork, Wexford, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and elsewhere directly into our listeners' homes."
