Children’s music lives up to promise

Acclaimed jazz musician Neil Cowley joined the young people on stage for show-stopping performances on both nights - just one of a whole host of musical highlights featured throughout the jam packed programme. The line up included local choirs, rock bands, a trad ensemble, a pipe band and the 100-strong Western Education and Library Orchestra - even wine glasses were played by the gifted young performers - in a spectacular double bill which filled the Hall to bursting with music and song.

The celebration marks the conclusion of many months of workshops and classes which have engaged thousands of children across the city in schools, youth groups and community centres.

Reflecting on what has been a phenomenal year for music in the city, Music Promise Strategic Director with the Culture Company, Donál Doherty, said the events only marked the end of the first phase of the programme. “This Joyous Celebration provided an opportunity for many young performers from each strand of our immense programme to demonstrate their talent and the development of that talent over the year. As a citywide initiative the scale has been immense and its delivery ambitious to say the least but I think we can be exceptionally proud of what has been achieved.

“2013 has been a momentous journey for these young people and it’s hard to believe that we are already nearing the end of the year. But it is so exciting to know that this is just the beginning for Music Promise - the energy and momentum is set to continue now into 2014, and that talent will continue to be nurtured and developed long into the future.”