Auditions are now open for the Irish Concertina Orchestra 2024–25.

This is an opportunity for concertina players aged between 10 and 18 to compose, arrange and perform with artists such as NOTIFY, Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE (Music Generation Clare) Concert Orchestra.

To apply, please complete the form at the following link and submit a 15–30 second video: https://bit.ly/3AiJnu5. A 30-second video should be submitted through WhatsApp to 086-0682164 or by email to fiona.mcgrath [at] lcetb.ie. (Please clearly label the video with the applicant’s name.) 

Closing date for applications is strictly Friday 16th August at 17:00.

Applicants will be contacted from the 23rd Aug ‘24 if your application is successful. 

For full details regarding rehearsal dates, visit https://bit.ly/3AiJnu5

About the Irish Concertina Orchestra
May 2024 provided an exceptional showcase of Irish music talent and in particular, that of the concertina which is so central to the Irish traditional music landscape in Co. Clare. The Irish Concertina Orchestra took to the stage where 42 members aged between 10 and 18 years old performed with high-profile artists NOTIFY and Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE (Music Generation Clare) Concert Orchestra. Glór theatre was full with an excited audience that reacted to each piece of music with great enthusiasm and excitement.

The Irish Concertina Orchestra spent the previous few months working on a mentorship programme with NOTIFY (Pádraig Rynne, Tara Breen, Davie Ryan, Adam Taylor, Hugh Dillon and Rory McCarthy) where they learned the essential tools needed for composition, arrangement and creativity in Irish traditional music. The material on the night was a mix of self-composed music by the Concertina Orchestra, NOTIFY and Bill Whelan of Riverdance fame.

Bill Whelan was amongst the special guests on the night. The suite of music he composed for the Irish Concertina Orchestra titled Aboard the West Clare finished the evenings concert off with to roaring applause receiving a standing ovation. Bill gave a very special speech before the concert started where he acknowledged the great work that Music Generation Clare and their Music Development Officer Pádraig Rynne are doing throughout the county in progressing musical opportunities for children and young people from all backgrounds and geography.

Looking forward to 2025, Music Generation Clare are now recruiting for new members of the Irish Concertina Orchestra. This year’s programme will begin in September and include performances in University Concert Hall in UL, Consairtín festival in Ennis and a standalone concert in Glór, Ennis in May. Collaborators this year are NOTIFY, Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE Concert Orchestra, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Sibéal, Piaras Ó Lorcain and Niall McCabe.

For more information on applying, check out Music Generation Clare’s Facebook and Instagram pages or email fiona.mcgrath [at] lcetb.ie. Closing date to receive applications is 16th August at 17:00. Visit https://musicgenerationclare.ie.

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This premium listing is part of an advertising campaign on the Journal of Music. For further details on advertising, visit https://bit.ly/3ShHfZd