Youth orchestra rehearsing for NCH outing

Rehearsals are well under way as the Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra prepare for their trip to the 22nd Festival of Youth Orchestras, which takes place at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, on Saturday 11th February. The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra is now a well-established group of young musicians, aged between 12 and 21, from all over the Midlands including counties Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Meath, Roscommon and Longford. As one of the eight orchestras invited to perform on the day, they have prepared an innovative programme which includes Franz Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony, 1st Movement, Libertango by tango composer Astor Piazzolla and a premier of a new composition from Elliot Murphy. The orchestra will be lead by Musical Director and Conductor, Matt Rafter.

This annual showcase of the very best in Irish Youth Orchestras from around the country, will feature Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra,DIT Sinfonietta, St. Ultan’s Senior Strings, Newpark Junior Strings, Limerick School of Music Orchestra, Kerry School of Music Orchestra, Athenry Youth Orchestra and County Wexford Youth Orchestra. It is a unique opportunity to see over 400 talented young players from around Ireland perform classical works and arrangements for youth orchestra in a variety of styles.

The Festival of Youth Orchestras was one of the first activities to be undertaken by the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras on its formation in 1994. To date, over 7,000 talented, young musicians have performed at the Festival. A thoroughly enjoyable family event, not to be missed.

Tickets priced from €7.50 - €15.00 are on sale from the National Concert Hall box office or online from www.nch.ie. See www.iayo.ie for more details.