Kinvara is the home of a new, intergenerational community orchestra!
Established by Fiona Buckley, and operating on a voluntary basis under the patronage of Tigh Sayre (Kinvara) and Gort Family Resource Centre, the aim of the orchestra is to provide an enjoyable opportunity for people, young and old, to play music together.
The orchestra already has over 30 members with a full string section and an unusual mix of traditional and classical instruments. A group of vocalists also feature in the orchestra.
The Orchestra’s musical director is New Quay man Garry O’Briain. Orchestra members generally hail from the Burren Lowlands area including Gort, Ardrahan, Kinvara, Ballindereen and New Quay.
A significant number of members have not previously played in an orchestra while many others have a well-established background in traditional music.
Some are amateur musicians, others are semi-professional or teachers of music and a number of teenage musicians have also joined.
Orchestral rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings from 10.30-12.30 in Kinvara Community Centre. Membership is open to reasonably confident musicians and singers who can either read music or learn by ear.
Participation in the orchestra is free – there is a weekly voluntary donation to cover costs. The Orchestra is currently rehearsing for a performance at the annual Carpe Diem concert in memory of Eimear Noonan in Sullivan’s Hotel, Gort on Saturday 27th November – a date for your diary!
A public performance for the local community is also planned for Spring 2022 and it is hoped that the Orchestra will become an integral part of community life in the surrounding areas. Anyone interested in joining or finding out more information should contact Fiona at kinvaracommunityorchestra@gmail.com