St Mary’s Cathedral provided the perfect setting recently for the third annual Limerick School of Music (LSOM) Alumni & Friends Gala Concert, an evening that brought together music lovers, alumni, supporters and students in celebration of music and community.
A highlight of the event was a special appearance by Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens, who joined the gala not only as one of the world’s most acclaimed artists but also as a parent within the school community. As a centre of excellence operating under Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Limerick School of Music continues to nurture and inspire young musicians across the region, with the summer gala serving as both a celebration of musical achievement and a fundraiser supporting future generations of performers.
Staff from Limerick School of Music performing at their Summer Gala at St Mary’s Cathedral.
Guests were welcomed with a sparkling prosecco and canapés reception, generously provided by The White House Bar and The French Table, before enjoying an evening of exceptional musical performances by LSOM staff and alumni.
The concert featured solo performances from pianist Stuart O’Sullivan, soprano Emma English, guitarist John O’Shea, flautist Oisín McGill and violinist Anna Jane Ryan, accompanied by orchestra in a programme that included works by Mozart, Chopin, Vaughan Williams and Elmer Bernstein.
Limerick School of Music Principal Cecilia Madden and Limerick and Clare ETB’S Director of Further Education and Training Paul Patton pictured at the Summer Gala.
The audience was also treated to music by celebrated composer Bill Whelan, one of Limerick School of Music’s most distinguished alumni, whose work formed an important part of the evening’s programme and highlighted the school’s proud musical heritage.
Now in its third year, the Alumni & Friends Gala Concert has become an important fundraising event for the school, supporting the LSOM Alumni & Friends Fund. The fund helps provide opportunities for deserving music students across the school’s many programmes, both at its main campus and through partnerships with schools including Our Lady Queen of Peace, CBS Primary School and Presentation Primary School.
The evening showcased the depth of talent within the Limerick School of Music community while highlighting the transformative role music education continues to play in the lives of young people across the region.
Limerick School of Music Deputy Principal and violinist Anna Jane Ryan performing at the Summer Gala.
The presence of Rhiannon Giddens, whose international career has earned her multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, added a special dimension to the event and reflected her ongoing support for music education in Limerick.
With a packed audience, outstanding performances and a warm sense of community spirit throughout the evening, the gala once again proved a resounding success, celebrating both musical excellence and the opportunities that music education can create for future generations.
Soprano and Limerick School of Music tutor Emma English performing at the Summer Gala concert at St Mary’s Cathedral.
All proceeds from the event will support students through the Limerick School of Music Alumni & Friends Fund, helping to ensure that young musicians throughout Limerick continue to have access to high-quality music education and performance opportunities.
For more information on Limerick School of Music and their Alumni & Friends fund you can visit www.limerickschoolofmusic.ie
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