Cork orchestra to perform at National Concert Hall this weekend

A vibrant young traditional orchestra from Ballincollig will perform an original piece of music at a major festival in the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

Ceolfhoireann Traidisiúnta Mhúscraí —Bláth na hÓige is set to make its first appearance at the Festival of Youth Orchestras, which takes place on Saturday.

The traditional orchestra comprises students and members of the Ballincollig branch of Comhaltas, Craobh Niall Ó Cathasaigh, Baile ‘n Chollaigh.

Founded in 2024 by directors Caroline Uí Chathasaigh and Brian Ó Broin to celebrate the branch’s 50th anniversary, the orchestra brings together 48 talented musicians aged 10-20, performing a wide range of traditional instruments.

The members of the youth orchestra rehearse weekly at Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin, with thanks to principal Mícheál Ó Draighneáin, in Ballincollig.

The orchestra was made possible through the funding of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and that support has helped establish and sustain the initiative.

Since its formation in September 2024, Bláth na hÓige has performed at the sold-out 50th anniversary celebration concert in Coláiste Choilm in Ballincollig;in Cork City Hall as part of Ceol Chorcaí, a celebration of traditional music and dance as part of Cork city’s St Patrick’s Festival; and at the Cork county Fleadh fundraising concert.

The youth orchestra has also been invited to present its own concert at the Dúchas Centre in Tralee this coming March, and it will showcase all aspects of Irish tradition, including storytelling, song, dance, and instrumental music.

With its youthful energy, rich repertoire, and dedication to Irish tradition, Bláth na hÓige is quickly establishing itself as an ambassador for the music, song, and culture of Ireland.

Bláth na hÓige committee member Diarmuid Ó Cathasaigh said the members were delighted to be the only branch of Comhaltas to be accepted as members of the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO).

“It is a huge honour for our orchestra to be participating in the IAYO festival in the National Concert Hall,” he said.

“All the members of the orchestra are also members of Ballincollig Comhaltas. It is a great opportunity for our young members, who are aged from 10 to 22, to perform at the National Concert Hall.

“We are also privileged to be the only trad orchestra participating. It’s a great achievement to be invited to play traditional Irish music at the IAYO festival of youth orchestras, alongside so many other fine youth orchestras, which will be playing classical music.”

Mr Ó Cathasaigh added that, as part of the youth orchestra’s performance in the National Concert Hall, they were delighted to be showcasing some of the compositions of founding member of the branch, and master teacher and composer, Martin Power.

“All our repertoire for our performance in the National Concert Hall has been arranged for orchestra by our conductors Caroline Uí Chathasaigh and Brian Ó Broin, this again is very unique,” he said.

The 30th Festival of Youth Orchestras is presented by the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras and marks three decades of celebrating Ireland’s youth orchestra community, and its talented members.

With a great variety of music played by young people for young people, the festival will showcase hundreds of young musicians from across the country in two concerts at 1pm and 7.30pm.

The programme features symphonic dances from West Side Story, symphonic suites from The Fellowship of the Ring, selections from Man of Steel by Hans Zimmer, as well as traditional Irish music, original compositions from Irish composers such as Martin Power, Katharina Baker, Vincent Kennedy and many more.

The 30th Festival of Youth Orchestras takes place on Saturday, February 7, at the National Concert Hall, Dublin.