East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra crowned all-Ireland champions

The orchestra won the Championship Accordion title in fine style while musical director Clyde Johnston picked up the Conductor’s Interpretation prize.

Playing their own choice pieces, Cubanola, Morgens um Sieben and Entry of the Gladiators, the East Antrim musicians were awarded a very impressive 192 marks with adjudicator Paul Norley (MD of the Coldstream Guards) praising the orchestra's 'most musical performance played with real panache'.

Clyde said he was delighted with the result adding that the orchestra has worked very hard over this past few months, had attracted a number of new players and fully deserved their success.

It was also a rather poignant day for the East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra as one of its past and founder members, Edna Ryan, passed away just two days before the competition.

Clyde added that the orchestra members dedicated their performance to Edna's memory.

Commenting on the orchestra’s success, Councillor Paul Reid paid tribute to their talent and musicianship. He said they were great ambassadors for the borough and helped to project the good and positive side of east Antrim.

The orchestra’s president Ivan Black also passed on his congratulations to the members, adding he was proud to be associated with them and their success was richly deserved.

Founded by Clyde in 2006, the East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra originally consisted of adult students and former adult students of Clyde's highly successful East Antrim Accordion School. In that time the orchestra has built up an acclaimed repertoire of pieces acquiring an excellent reputation on the concert circuit and has attracted many top musicians to its ranks.

The orchestra’s growing reputation for quality performances on the concert circuit has gained it quite a following and earned the members a huge ovation at their last concert at Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne.

East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra meets every Monday evening at 7.30pm, is cross community and welcomes new members who are keen to embrace a vibrant musical experience. Anyone who plays the accordion or drums or is interested in learning either should contact Clyde on 07882456880 to find out more.