Midlands Youth Orchestra shine at Festival of Youth Orchestras
The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra (IMYO) put on an outstanding performance at the Festival of Youth Orchestras last Saturday week, February 19.
The concert, featuring four other youth orchestras – City of Belfast School of Music Junior Chamber Orchestra, Music Generation Louth Senior String Orchestra, Dundalk Grammar School Orchestra and Queen’s University Symphony Orchestra – was held in the National Concert Hall, Dublin.
Under the baton of musical director, Matt Rafter, with leader Arka Chatterjee, the IMYO performed Mozart’s Symphony No 35 in D Major and an arrangement of pieces from the prolific composer Michael Rooney’s An Bealach Ar Ais (translated ‘The Way Back’) Suite, a seamless fusion of the classical and traditional music.
The first movement of this suite is called Aonrú, which Michael wrote during lockdown when he couldn’t see his parents for a long time and was struck by the isolation many people were experiencing.
The music references ‘Down By The Sally Gardens’, a tune which reminded him of his parents. Moving through ‘Sult’ an uplifting reel, the piece concluded with an energetic and lively presentation of ‘Dochas’, hope as we move out of difficult times.
The orchestra has a strong group of traditional players, and it was an honour to be able to play this beautiful piece which delighted the audience, said a spokesperson.
The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra was founded by Vincent Hunt in 2006, supported by Shane Brennan formerly of Longford Westmeath ETB and Catherine Kelly the former arts officer for Westmeath County Council.
Thanks to the continued support of Miriam Mulrennan, arts officer, Westmeath County Council and Margaret Broome of Music Generation, it is growing consistently.
It is now a well-established and successful group of musicians aged between 12 and 22 from across the midlands. Since its inception the orchestra has had several achievements, most notably previous performances in the National Concert Hall as part of the Festival of Youth Orchestras.
The orchestra has visited Germany, Dubai and Madrid, where it performed alongside local orchestras and musicians.
In addition to staging its own concerts, the orchestra has performed regularly with other groups, including Athlone Orchestra, Scoil Mhuire Tullamore, Lakeland Orchestra, Vltava String Quartet, and the Musical Allsorts Choir for their popular Christmas concert in Mullingar.
By participating in the orchestra, the aim is to develop individual music skills, self-esteem, social awareness, confidence and the ability to work as a team; most importantly the orchestra promotes fun and friendship through music.
The IMYO also have a new orchestra for younger musician called ‘Primo’ Orchestra. This was formed 2016 for young people (age 8-12) to prepare and give them the opportunity to play in an orchestral environment before they progress into the senior orchestra.
With the easing of Covid restrictions, it is hoped to get back to normal and showcase the rich and high standard attained under current musical director, Matt Rafter, a cellist, conductor, and event producer based in Dublin.