Irish Youth Wind Ensemble. Photo: Keith Wiseman.
A memorable night of music is promised when over 70 of Ireland’s finest young wind, brass, and percussion players take to the stage in Ardee this August Bank Holiday weekend, as part of this year’s Irish Youth Wind Ensemble summer tour.
The ensemble will present an exciting programme of wind band classics from across the decades on Friday, 2 August 2024 at 7pm, the programme includes Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story Symphonic Dances and Alfred Reed's El Camino Real.
The ensemble will be led by distinguished conductor, and Artistic Director of IYWE, Ronan O’Reilly, who is also Director of the Artane School of Music. Speaking of the performances, O’Reilly said: “This year’s music programme has been selected to showcase the technical and musical abilities of some of Irelands’ best young wind, brass, and percussion players.”
In the build-up to the national tour, the ensemble – made up of highly accomplished young musicians from across Ireland - will work together intensively in a week-long residential course at the University of Limerick with some of Ireland’s finest brass, wind, and percussion tutors.
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The Wind Ensemble was formed in 1985 by James Cavanagh and Fred O’Callaghan. Since then over a thousand young musicians have participated in the event. The ethos of IYWE is to offer young players an opportunity to study, perform and experience music specifically composed for the wind ensemble medium and to present music that otherwise would not be heard by Irish audiences.
Not only is IYWE, the leading platform for these young musicians to exhibit their musical prowess but, due to its unique nature, is often the birthplace of many Irish and even world premieres of wind ensemble compositions.
Next year IYWE will celebrate its 40th year. That IYWE has survived and flourished for almost 40 years is due to the enthusiasm and vision of its founders, the talent and enthusiasm of its members, and the efforts and commitment volunteered by numerous supporters.
Tickets are €20 or €10 (concessions) and are available at the door. Presented in association with Irish Association of Youth Orchestras and funded by The Arts Council.