Matinée music with Maoin Cheoil

STUDENTS from Maoin Cheoil an Chláir entertained audiences of the Ennis Musical Society’s Hot Mikado matinee recently, when they played a variety of music as a pre-show treat.
Capriccio, a group from Maoin Cheoil, conducted by Bryonie Hopper, accompanied by Rosemary Walsh on piano, played a variety of pieces, ranging from the classics like Spring, William Tell Overture through traditional music, both Irish and Jewish, to more fun items including the theme music from Inspector Gadget.
Their 25-minute performance in the foyer was followed by enthusiastic audience participation in Hot Mikado.
Ms Hopper was thrilled to have the opportunity for the young group to perform and felt it was the perfect way to motivate her students, many of whom couldn’t decide whether to watch the orchestra or the antics on stage.
“This performance illustrated to my students the importance and ‘realness’ of what they are doing, with the direct link between their own performance and the performance on stage and from the orchestra pit, showing them that all the hard work they put into their study has a purpose and a goal.
“Seeing the juxtaposition of the old and new, the beauty and excitement of the highly experienced cast/orchestra members contrasted with the beginning steps of children at the beginning of their musical journey, was a wonderful experience.
“Performance opportunities are so important for young musicians and watching them reminded me why,” she said.
Capriccio will continue rehearsing for their next engagement at a charity afternoon with the University of Limerick Orchestra in May, as well as in-house performances within the Maoin Cheoil at the end of the academic year.