Irish composer Tom Cullivan has generously donated many of his scores to the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras' music library.

Born in Cavan in 1939, Tom Cullivan began his musical studies as a child and has been composing for the theatre, in which he has a particular interest, since he was a student. His style, which is tonal, is influenced by the music of nineteenth- and twentieth-century composer-pianists and by his own family background in Irish traditional music. His music, which ranges over chamber, solo, orchestral and choral works, has been played throughout Ireland, Europe and the USA. Now based in Galway, Cullivan has had works performed by the Galway Youth Orchestra in Ireland and France over the last year.

Rosina Joyce, newly-appointed director of the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, has expressed her delight at receiving the donation and hopes to have youth orchestras from all over the country explore his music. She said, 'this music is perfect for orchestras going on tour abroad as it possesses a unique Irish sound'.

Among the donated works are Meditation for solo violin and orchestra, Variations on a Theme by Cearbhaill Ó Dálaigh for piano and orchestra, and La Reveuse, an arrangement for string quartet.

Further information from the IAYO, tel. 00353-(0)21-455 4040 or email iayo@eircom.net