The Macnas Young Ensemble has received a significant boost with the announcement of sponsorship for the ensemble, which has 45 members, by the Connacht Hospitality Group.
The Young Ensemble is open to those aged between 15 and 19, and provides workshops in Commedia Dell’Arte, mask work, ensemble performance, and physical expression. It currently has 45 members. Workshops are free of charge and run throughout the entire year on a weekly basis. Founded in 2009, it is a core part of Macnas and has presented its own stand-alone productions, and is under the tutelage of Macnas performance director, Miquel Barcelo.
The partnership with the Connacht Hospitality Group will allow Macnas to develop a "world-class dynamic performance ensemble and drumming troupe" for Galway city and county; help deliver Young Ensemble and drumming events locally, nationally, and internationally; and support Macnas to engage with communities, enabling young people access to free, high quality, large-scale, cultural performances and activities. The youth drumming troupe will be led by the Macnas parade musical director Orlagh De Bhaldraithe in collaboration with drummer Eímhín Craddock.
“The Connacht Hospitality Group sponsorship is directly supporting local young people to have access to and engagement in the arts," said Macnas artistic director Noeline Kavanagh. "It is a valuable and deeply appreciated partnership that will see a new generation of performer and musician emerge out of Galway to continue a legacy in the Spectacle arts on the streets of Galway and across the streets of the world.”
“We at the Connacht Hospitality Group, are delighted to be able to support a company as exciting and passionate as Macnas," said Wayne Neilon, group general manager. "As a group we have always been huge supporters of the local community through sports, festivals, and local charities. We are very excited to be able to extend this support to the arts. We believe in the message Macnas delivers and as a business, we recognise the value the arts has brought to our city, particularly as we build up to Galway 2020."
