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Minister Humphreys announces special concert by 100 young musicians from across the island of Ireland to mark the start of Ireland 2016
Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys TD., today (Sunday 29th November) joined over 100 young musicians from the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, in Dundalk Institute of Technology, to announce details of a special concert to mark the start of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
The Peace Proms concert, which features a selection of specially chosen classical and popular music pieces, will take place in the Convention Centre, Dublin on the 1st January 2016. The young performers, who range in age from 10 to 19, have been drawn from across the island of Ireland, and are all exceptional and award-winning artists and performers.
Speaking at the announcement of the Peace Proms, Minister Heather Humphreys said:
“This promises to be an extremely exciting and uplifting event; the ideal start to our year of commemorations in 2016. The Peace Proms will be a wonderful occasion, bringing together talented and committed young musicians from across the island of Ireland. I would like to thank all of the young performers who will be taking part; through their music and song they will set the perfect tone as kick off what is set to be a very special year.”
The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland is made up of over 100 young people from many counties in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The will be joined on stage by members of the Irish Youth Choir and Ulster Youth Choir as well as a 32-County Children’s Choir which has been specially formed for the occasion.
The performance will be conducted by internationally acclaimed Greg Beardsell who is one of the most outstanding and inspirational conductors of his generation. Soloists include virtuoso violinist Patricia Treacy (Louth), acclaimed young vocalist Sibéal Ní Chasaide (Meath), whose performance of Mise Éire drew widespread acclaim at the recent RTE 1916 launch, All-Ireland Champion uilleann piper Cormac Keegan (Kildare), Lambeg Drummer Willie Drennan (Ballymena) and world champion St. Colmcille Drum and Pipe Corps (Derry).
This special concert, which will be hosted by Minister Heather Humphreys T.D. will take place before an audience of over 2,000 people, in the Convention Centre and will be recorded for national broadcast.
ENDS