Nine teenagers from across Co Galway and Co Clare are to be celebrated this Sunday at the Coole Music Gala Concert 2023, for their great achievements in earning their ‘music for life’ badge.
The apt setting of Gort, a location that has hosted some of the most famous figures in the history of the Arts in Ireland, will be abuzz this weekend as the nine teens, who are currently preparing for their Leaving Cert exams next month, will be joined by family and friends at the event to mark their musical journeys as part of Coole Music and Arts. Many have been practising musicians since early childhood and are set to continue onto the next chapter in their lives with music as a steady companion.
The graduates, Naima Baker, Ella Browne, Jolie Collins, Lorrainy de Jesus, Sean Hancock, Laura Hayes, Eimear Keane, Siofra McGuire and Meadbh Sheil, will preform for the crowd before enjoying the work of fellow musicians.
The event will see fellow musicians from Coole Music’s Youth Orchestra and Sonic Strings, various chamber groups and Coole Harmonies Choir which is directed by Noreen McDermott. This year’s Gala will see two of the teachers at Coole Music and Arts will see their own children in the graduate line, with Artistic Director and co-founder of Coole Music, Katharina Baker watching her daughter Naima sing her last piece as a Coole Harmonies choir member before graduating as a cellist, as well as soprano and recorder teacher, Helen Hancock, will be cheering on her son Sean as he preforms a viola concerto.
Speaking about the event, the group said, “Of course, each and every one of these young people deserve great applause and cheer for the commitment, hours of practice and sacrifices that may have been made to reach this gala stage. Their parents equally deserve every moment of pride, awe and happiness that might be felt on the day.”
Tickets are available to purchase at the door from 5.15pm or by contacting Ellie at [email protected] /tel 086-3467245. The two hour concert starts at 6pm sharp in the Ballroom of the Lady Gregory Hotel on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
