The Mayo Youth Orchestra have done themselves and their county proud at an international music congress held in The Netherlands. Performing amongst a group of highly talented orchestras from all corners of Europe at the eighth European Festival of Amateur Orchestras, the young group’s blend of fun and lighthearted music mixed in with a bit of Irish traditional music went down well. A highly enjoyable event for all (May 21-24 ) held in Dalfsen in the east of The Netherlands concluded with an impromptu performance of traditional Irish music and dancing, as friends were made from across the Continent through classical and more contemporary music.
Debbie Clarke, who conducted the group of musicians which mainly consists of aspiring performers aged between 10 and 16 years (joined by a few more seasoned musicians! ), was happy after a few days of sun, fun and lots of music. “Everything went brilliantly and we enjoyed it all. It was a relief that they did so well. All the hard work paid off,” she said.
The 8th European Festival of Amateur Orchestras featured groups from The Netherlands (Groningen, Rotterdam and Drenthe ), the Czech Republic (Benda Chamber Orchestra ), Bulgaria (Varna Chamber Orchestra ), Liechtenstein (Orchester Liechtenstein-Werdenburg ) and Norway (Romerike Symfoniorkester ). Mayo travelled to the event with a group of 43, which included 25 performers who learned a lot at the event about different styles of music and the fun role that it can play in breaking down language and cultural barriers. “Actually seeing all the talent that were gathered at this event posed a challenge for the kids, because you would normally never get that,” said Veronica Carson who travelled with the group. “But the emphasis was also on fun and at the same time learning to better yourself,” she added.
