The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Young locals set for debut with National Symphony Orchestra

Young members from Offaly and Westmeath in the Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra are all set for their RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) debut later today (Wednesday) at the Tullamore Court Hotel.

In preparation for this evening’s event, the young musicians have been mentored by members of the RTÉ NSO and their conductor Fergus Sheil.

The final rehearsal took place last Sunday, with the young musicians aged ten to 19 rising to the challenge of the high standard of musicianship that the public has come to expect from the young orchestra.

After that session RTÉ mentors commented on the commitment and high musical ability displayed throughout the session, describing the youngsters as “inspirational”.

The mentoring included Fergus Sheil, one of Ireland’s leading conductors, lifting his baton to lead the Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra in a tough full orchestral rehearsal.

Not to be put off by a challenge, the Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra will perform three spellbinding orchestral works in their programme tonight.

The stunning Overture Rosamunde by Schubert will open their performance. They will then be joined by violin soloist Tasmin Little as they perform Schindler’s List before closing their performance with a selection of music from the instantly recognisable “Les Miserables”.

Entry to the youth performance at the Tullamore Court Hotel at 7pm is free and tickets for the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra/Tasmin Little performance at 8pm are €16/14 from the Tullamore Court Hotel.

The concert and educational programme is supported by The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, The Arts Council, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils and Music Generation Offaly Westmeath.