Cross-Atlantic musical collaboration

A CROSS-ATLANTIC musical collaboration is due to take place today (Saturday, June 25) in Castlebar.

Mayo Youth Orchestra is teaming up with the American Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, culminating in a wonderful free concert at 5 p.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary. All are welcome to attend this special event.

The concert follows a day-long workshop of musical activities involving members of both orchestras in St. Patrick’s National School.

The Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra is a highly accomplished youth orchestra based in Maryland, USA, under the direction of Julien Benichou. Mayo Youth Orchestra is very excited and honoured to be in a position to collaborate with such a prestigious American youth orchestra.

The CYSO provides young musicians with professional musical and orchestral training for elementary through college-age students, with weekly rehearsals, master classes and specialist ensemble work, from highly accomplished and well respected professionals. The CYSO is funded by the Maryland State Arts Council.

Mayo Youth Orchestra has had a very busy season, including involvement in the 1916 commemorative May Day events and more recently at Turlough’s Feile Na Tuaithe. Mayo Youth Orchestra also took part in a stimulating workshop with RIAM director, James Cavanagh, which was kindly sponsored by Mayo County Council.

The Mayo musicians are currently preparing for an exciting trip to the Lisbon International Youth Music Festival this July where they will present three orchestral concerts. The group is currently involved in several related fundraising activities.

Mayo Youth Orchestra would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported and facilitated the organisation as a whole or who have contributed voluntarily and financially towards the fundraising initiative.

For further information regarding the free concert, check out the Mayo Youth Orchestra Facebook and Twitter pages or see www.mayoconcertorchestra.ie.