Celebrating Music Education: A Night of Talent and Collaboration Across Limerick and Clare
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s music education programmes throughout the region came together recently for a spectacular night of performances. Music Connexions, at University Concert Hall Limerick, showcased the incredible talent of young musicians from Limerick School of Music (LSOM), Music Generation Limerick City, Music Generation Clare, and Music Generation Limerick County. The event marked the first time all four programmes showcased their talents together.
Patrick O’Brien, MDO Music Generation Limerick County; David O’Connell, former Principal LSOM; Boris Hunka, MDO, Music Generation Limerick City; Rhiannon Giddens, multi Grammy award winning musician and Pulitzer prize winning composer and parent at Limerick School of Music; Bernadette Cullen Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare ETB; Paul Patton, Director of FET, Limerick and Clare ETB; and Pádraig Rynne, MDO, Music Generation Clare.
Attending the event, Bernadette Cullen, Limerick and Clare ETB Chief Executive, spoke about the importance of music education in enriching young lives and strengthening communities: “Tonight’s event highlights the power of music education to inspire creativity, build confidence, and unite communities. By bringing together young musicians from Limerick and Clare, we’re not just celebrating their talent, but also fostering collaboration and excellence that will have a lasting impact on the cultural landscape and opportunities for the young people of our region.”
The evening began with a Musical Trail, with groups from each programme performing in the concert hall foyer, creating a lively, busking-style atmosphere for arriving guests. The main stage concert featured performances from a variety of ensembles, including Music Generation Limerick City’s Three Short Pieces for Mixed Ensemble and Combined Harp Ensembles and Music Generation Clare’s Harp Ensemble and Coolcappa NS Harpers, Foróige West Limerick Youth Initiative Newcastle West – Creative Learning and Digital Hub performed ‘The Chain’ by Fleetwood Mac.
Other highlights from the concert included performances from Limerick School of Music soloists, including flautist Sadhbh O’Leary and pianist Luke Yu, who captivated the audience with works by Poulenc and Grieg. The LSOM Senior Orchestra and Music Generation Clare Concertina Orchestra performed ‘Vividity’ by Padraig Rynne, while the evening concluded with a rousing performance of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and an Irish Rock Medley by John O’Shea. The event concluded with a celebratory set by the Limerick School of Music Big Band back in the UCH foyer.
Speaking about the unique concert, Cecilia Madden, Limerick School of Music Principal and event organiser, said: “We are very grateful for the chance to allow all of these wonderful young musicians to hear each other and begin a musical dialogue that we hope will go on for many years. It is so encouraging to see the benefits of the hard work and investment that has gone into these music programmes”.
The audience on the night was made up of friends and family of the musicians and music supporters from all the music programmes who loved the collaboration which highlighted the transformative power of music, bringing together young musicians from across Limerick and Clare, and the response to the concert sets the stage for more future partnerships and creative exchanges.
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