Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra workshops in Tullamore

The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra (IMYO) held a successful series of workshops over the weekend of August 24 and 25, in the Charleville Centre in Tullamore. More than 30 young musicians from across the midlands enjoyed masterclasses with string, wind, brass and percussion tutors and performers.

The IMYO was formed in 2006 and aims to provide high-quality orchestral experiences for young musicians from the midland counties including Westmeath. Members develop their musical talents and learn to play together as part of a team, and they also develop their social skills while making new friends, improving their confidence and self-esteem.

The orchestra is fortunate to have Matt Rafter as its musical director. Matt is a talented cellist with both the Vltava and Belenus String Quartets. He also works as ensemble manager with Crash Ensemble, Ireland’s leading new music group. He toured internationally as cellist with Irish artist Hozier and has recorded and performed as a cellist with many other Irish artists.

Matt’s passion for music education has led him to roles variously as a conductor, instrumental tutor and resource worker across many different programmes and organisations. He has previously conducted Trinity Orchestra, Fingal Youth Orchestra, as well as Téada Orchestra, which he co-founded in 2013.

The IMYO rehearses once a month and performs about three or four times a year. Recent concerts have included ‘Classical Youth’ in May 2024 in collaboration with GLOR Children’s Choir and GLOR Youth Choir in Moate. The orchestra worked with Julianstown Youth Orchestra and The Limerick School of Music throughout last season, culminating in a concert in the Redemptorist Church in Limerick in April 2024.

The IMYO have embarked on several foreign trips during which they performed with other groups and orchestras, the most recent in Madrid in April 2023, where they teamed up with La Fantastica Banda and the Orquesta Escuela del Barrio for workshops and a concert.

As well as their rehearsals and performance, orchestra members enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city and a special visit to the Irish ambassador’s residence.

The IMYO will perform in the National Concert Hall in February next as part of the Festival of Youth Orchestras.

The IMYO regularly auditions new members who play orchestral instruments with a grade five or above. For information, see imyo.ie or contact irishmidlandsyo@gmail.com.