Mayo musicians set for National Concert Hall performance

EIGHT talented youth orchestras are in final preparations for the 23rd Festival of Youth Orchestras.

Mayo Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Anne Moriarty, will be taking part in the prestigious event, which takes place at the National Concert Hall tomorrow (Saturday, February 10).

Music teacher Finola Reilly recalls having a wonderful afternoon at a previous festival: “Mam and myself went along to support Mayo Youth Orchestra. We were humbled by the standard of the young musicians and greatly entertained by the variety of music. Mayo Youth Orchestra held its own, with a particularly entertaining choice of programme. We felt very proud to be there supporting them.”

Finola added that the National Concert Hall is one of Dublin’s grand old venues and offers a great sense of atmosphere before the music even starts.

It offers an amazing opportunity for young people to experience performance at a young age with support from friends and colleagues.

As an entity, Mayo Youth Orchestra seeks to perform music which appeals to young people, with the educational potential of orchestral music playing a supportive role. Film music is popular among Mayo’s young musicians and tends to form part of most repertoires, including Saturday's.

Mayo Youth Orchestra values the opportunities for connecting with other young musicians, at home and abroad. Members of the orchestra come from diverse backgrounds and range in age from 10 to Leaving Cert age. The standard of musicianship is high. Students interested in joining the orchestra are advised to make enquiries at St. Patrick's National School at any stage. New members may find the best time to join is in September when the students tend to commence a new programme.

Mayo Youth Orchestra will be on stage at 3 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets are priced from €7.50 to €15, and are available from the National Concert Hall box office or online at www.nch.ie.