Auditions are now open to apply to be part of the Irish Concertina Orchestra for the 2024 to 2025 season.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for concertina players aged between 10 years of age and 18 years of age to compose, arrange and perform with high profile artists such as NOTIFY, Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE Concert Orchestra.
May of 2024 provided an exceptional showcase of Irish music talent and in particular, that of the concertina which is so central to the Irish traditional music landscape in Clare.
The Irish Concertina Orchestra took to the stage where 42 members aged between 10 and 18 years old performed with high profile artist NOTIFY and Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE Concert Orchestra.
Glór theatre was full with an excited audience that reacted to each piece of music with great enthusiasm and excitement.
The Irish Concertina Orchestra spent the previous few months working on a mentorship programme with NOTIFY.
Notify includes a number of talented and well known Irish musicians including Pádraig Rynne, Tara Breen, Davie Ryan, Adam Taylor, Hugh Dillon and Rory McCarthy.
The orchestra members learned the essential tools needed for composition, arrangement and creativity in Irish traditional music.
The material on the night was a mix of self-composed music by the Concertina Orchestra, NOTIFY and Bill Whelan of Riverdance fame.
Bill Whelan was amongst the special guests on the night.
The suite of music he composed for the Irish Concertina Orchestra titled “Aboard the West Clare” finished the evenings concert off with to roaring applause receiving a standing ovation. Bill gave a very special speech before the concert started where he acknowledge the great work that Music Generation Clare and their MDO Pádraig Rynne are doing throughout the county in progressing musical opportunities for children and young people from all backgrounds and geography.
Looking forward to 2025, Music Generation Clare are now recruiting for new members of the Irish Concertina Orchestra.
This year’s programme will begin in September and include performances in University Concert Hall in UL, Consairtin festival in Ennis and a standalone concert in Glór, Ennis in May. Collaborators this year are NOTIFY, Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE Concert Orchestra, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Sibeal, Piaras Ó Lorcain and Niall McCabe.
For more information on applying, check out Music Generation Clare’s Facebook and Instagram pages or email fiona.mcgrath@lcetb.ie. The closing date to receive applications is August 16 at 5pm.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.