The Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra is an ensemble set up by musicians who hope to promote wind band/ensemble music at its highest level in Ireland. It has been founded by musicians, for musicians.
This coming weekend they will be gathering and performing for the first time. Over 100 musicians from around Ireland will come together to perform Johan de Meij’s 1st Symphony The Lord of the Rings in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.
This piece of music was the inspiration behind the project and members of the ensemble have been incredibly lucky to have the composer’s support and input from early on. Johan de Meij is one of the leading composers/conductors for wind orchestras in the world.
Their conductor for the event is Liam Daly. Liam is well known by bands around Ireland as a leading conductor and promoter of the genre. He has previously conducted the bands of the Defence Forces School of Music as well as the Australian Army Bands.
The orchestra has had an incredible response from musicians around the country. Nearly everyone that is involved is a professional player, teacher, or conductor and involved within their own community bands.
Members really hope that this weekend will be the catalyst to make this new ensemble a permanent fixture on the Irish music scene.
The ISWO gives its first performance this Sunday January 19 in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone. The performance begins at 4pm and is free and open to the public. As numbers are restricted, please come early to avoid disappointment.
For more information log on to www.facebook.com/irishsymphonicwindorchestra
