ST PATRICKS Gateway was blessed with the sounds of beautiful music on Saturday thanks to the wonderful young musicians of the Music Generation Harp Orchestra.
Nearly fifty girls and boys played stunning harp music in the gorgeous venue, on Saturday, March 18.
The orchestra is made up from young people from Waterford, Mayo, Laois and Louth.
They played as part of the St Patricks Festivities, performing music inspired by Celtic, Nordic and classical Irish music traditions.
Among the musical arrangements, there was an epic ode to the Clan Era, particularly the Flight of the Earls, and the Era of the Planxty.
Planxty is in reference to legendary harpist Turlough O’Carolan, whose harp instrumentals have influenced every generation of harpists since his death on March 17, 1738.
Development Officer at Music Generation Waterford Shauna McCullough was delighted to see how the orchestra came together.
She said: “To see them all together, today was the first time they’ve actually been together to rehearse because they’re all so far away, Mayo, Laois and Louth, nearly the four corners nearly so getting them altogether was very challenging.
“They’ve all been working away in their respective areas. They met here at 12 o’clock this morning, started rehearsals and played the gig at 3pm.”
In April, the orchestra will be making their way to Scotland to play music at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival.
Shauna continued: “We’re really, really excited for that, the chance to go overseas and to maybe bring new tunes back and new arrangements.”
Music Generation is backed by U2, the Department of Education, Local Music Education Partnerships and The Ireland Funds.
The organisation breaks down barriers that prevent kids from accessing musical education.
Currently, there are 29 chapters of Music Generation throughout Ireland that teach over 200 programs across different styles of music.
Music Generation Waterford is backed by Waterford City and County Council and is managed by Waterford Music Education Partnership.
