Young Offaly musicians shine at Building Orchestral Pathways concert in Athlone

Students from Music Generation Offaly joined young musicians from across the Midlands for a spectacular orchestral performance as part of the new Building Orchestral Pathways (BOP) project at TUS Athlone.

The BOP Project – Building Orchestral Pathways – brings together Music Generation Westmeath and Athlone Youth Orchestra in collaboration with Music Generation programmes in Laois and Offaly.

Established in 2025, the initiative aims to strengthen opportunities and supports for young orchestral musicians throughout the Midlands region.

The latest concert took place on Sunday, May 17, at the John Count McCormack Centre in TUS Athlone, where talented young performers from Laois School of Music, Music Generation Laois, and Music Generation programmes in Westmeath and Offaly delivered an impressive and varied programme.

Audience members were treated to performances of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 and No. 6, selections from the hit musical Wicked, and the energetic Hoedown from Aaron Copland’s Rodeo.

The event also featured performances by the BOP Junior Orchestra, BOP String Ensemble, and BOP Woodwind and Brass Ensemble, all conducted by Veronica Urrego.

Organisers say the BOP Orchestra project is designed to create new pathways for young orchestral players in the region, encouraging collaboration, musical development, and performance opportunities for emerging talent.

The initiative is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Arts Council/An Comhairle Ealaíon, and the Department of Education and Youth as part of Music Generation’s Creativity and Collaboration Fund.