Midlands Youth Orchestra to play at Clonmacnoise

The fourth Shannonbridge Midsummer Music Festival takes place from June 25 to 28 in the pretty Shannon side village. As in previous year the festival makes the most of what the location is known for, great music, stunning riverside location and the infamous Clonmacnoise monastic site. Each year a feature concert takes place at Clonmacnoise and this year, the Midlands Youth Orchestra that includes members from the Mullingar area, make a special appearance. The orchestra features approximately sixty young people aged between 12 and 19 from right across the Midlands. The orchestra was formed in 2006 from a number of youth ensembles around the Midlands. Under the baton of Vincent Hunt they have already performed at the National Concert Hall and in various locations across the Midlands. Last year the Midlands Youth Orchestra played host to the Jugend Sinfonie Orchestra a German Youth Orchestra from Bremen, Germany where they partook in joint master classes and concerts in Mullingar and Birr. This summer they have accepted an invitation to travel to Bremen in Germany on a return exchange with the German orchestra, the proceeds of the Clonmacnoise concert will go towards fundraising for that exchange. The philosophy of the Midlands Youth Orchestra is to allow access to music to young people of all ages on the sole criteria of their ability, and not their financial means, and thus, hopefully, to be as inclusive as possible for all of the young people in this area. This will be a unique opportunity to see an outdoor concert by the Midlands newest musical phenomenon. Playing a mixed programme of classical and Irish compositions in a stunning location overlooking the Shannon, this could be the concert of the summer. Tickets for the concert are on sale the Orchestra Committee on 087 9436435 and are available at the gate of the event.