Ulster Youth Orchestra performs new music by Brian Irvine and Elaine Agnew.
Dr Clíona Doris, Head of Orchestral Studies at the Conservatory of Music and Drama in Dublin Institute of Technology enjoyed her involvement in the preparations and shared her thoughts with CMC:
“I am just back from tutoring harps at the Ulster Youth Orchestra summer course, where the very talented young musicians are busy preparing premieres of two new works by Brian Irvine and Elaine Agnew (left). Brian's "Nest" will be performed on Saturday 21st July in T13 Belfast. "Nest" is a massive project in celebration of Northern Ireland combining an art installation of donated objects, an archive of photos, stories and films, and a huge new music score for over 500 performers and the Ulster Youth Orchestra. If that is not enough, it is being performed in the fantastic historic building T13 in the heart of Belfast's new Titanic Quarter. An event not to be missed. www.2012nest.com
The Orchestra then heads to the Royal Albert Hall and the BBC Proms for an afternoon concert with the Ulster Orchestra in a programme of Chabrier "Espana", Stravinsky "Firebird Suite" (1911), Mozart Flute Concerto and a new commissioned work by Elaine Agnew. Elaine's "Dark Hedges" is written for two orchestras (Ulster Youth Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra) and James Galway. The work sounded wonderful in rehearsal with just the Ulster Youth Orchestra, so I can only imagine how magnificent it will resound in the Royal Albert Hall with double the orchestral forces and Sir James Galway.”