Europe's longest running classical music festival began in Dublin today.
More than 4,000 musicians from throughout Ireland are competing in the Siemens Feis Ceoil 2007 at the RDS over the next 12 days.
The competition — now in its 111th year — is credited with launching the careers of Irish classical music luminaries Count John McCormack, Ronan Tynan and Cora Venus Lunny.
Musicians will be tested on their performances on a multitude of instruments from flute to French horn, trumpet to trombone, violin and vocal solos to full school choirs and family ensembles.
Organisers are promising a fantastic atmosphere during the annual milestone in the classical music calendar which runs until Friday, March 30th. The Feis Ceoil was established to nurture the very best in classical musical talent in Ireland.