Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra to celebrate 20 years with Tullamore gala concert

The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra is set to celebrate 20 years with a gala concert at Esker Arts.

Taking place on Sunday, May 3, at 6pm, the concert will feature a varied programme from classical gems to movie soundtrack favourites.

Conducted by Matt Rafter, the event will feature special guests Vltava String Quartet, soprano Erin Dollard, Mullingar Harp School & Tullamore Stage School Choir with Musical Director Regina McCarthy.

The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra was founded by Vincent Hunt in 2006, after recognising the need for a high-quality youth orchestra in the region. The orchestra began as a collaborative project involving several smaller orchestras for a performance in Ireland’s National Concert Hall, with the first official IMYO course later that year.

It is now a well-established and successful group of young musicians aged 12-20, coming primarily from the midland counties of Ireland. The orchestra meets once per month for rehearsals, with 2/3 performances a year. The orchestra has toured internationally to Germany, Dubai, Spain, and most recently to Vienna in July 2025.

IMYO is supported by Offaly County Council, Westmeath County Council, Offaly PPN & Westmeath PPN.

Tickets are priced at €15/€10 (+booking fee) and can be purchased at: https://eskerarts.ie/events/irish-midlands-youth-orchestra-20th-anniversary-concert