The Outlet finds 'Room' for music

SHOPPING and classical music may not sound like a match made in heaven but the Ulster Orchestra is hitting the road and heading for The Outlet for one of the most unique collaborations in the orchestra's history.

The Ulster Orchestra has created a Music Room at The Outlet, which is being launched on 1 April and will feature a year-long music residency with a series of musical workshops and recitals.

The Music Room will feature an art gallery of orchestral instruments – explaining more about the musical instruments with accompanying worksheets available to encourage active learning. There will also be a “toy box” full of instruments that people can try out and the orchestra’s musicians will be in residence on a regular basis.

“There has never been anything like this before – by going out to The Outlet we hope to inspire new musical talent and make music accessible to everyone,” explained Ulster Orchestra Head of Marketing and Development Lydia Gamble.

“It has the potential to pave the way for further corporate organisations, councils and shopping centres across the globe to bring music to the public. But most importantly, it will be of benefit to people in Northern Ireland, giving children a chance to discover music and develop an interest in the arts,” she added.

The Orchestra has also agreed a year-long music residency at The Outlet which will include a series of workshops and recitals on weekends and bank holidays led by musicians of the Ulster Orchestra.

Sunday Recitals with ensembles from the Ulster Orchestra will be held from 2.30-3.30pm on 18 April (Ulster Orchestra Viva Violas), 2 May (Ulster Orchestra Wind Ensemble) and 6 June (Ulster Orchestra Brass). Tickets for these concerts are just 5 (3 concession) and can be booked through www.ulsterorchestra.com, by telephoning the box office on 028 90239955 or through The Outlet.

There will also be a series of free Saturday Musical Maestro workshops with players from the Ulster Orchestra focusing on specific themes and providing a great educational opportunity for children.

The workshops include: Beauty and the Beast – the story of Beauty and the Beast told through words and music on 3 April; Around the World in 60 Minutes on 8 May and Sticks, Strings and Popular Things on 19 June. These workshops are free of charge, though participants must book in advance through The Outlet welcome centre on 028 4062 5151 – places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served, basis.

This project has been supported by funding from Arts & Business NI in response to The Outlet’s contribution – through the Ulster Orchestra – to a large educational outreach programme in the local Banbridge and wider SELB area being held this May.

“We are delighted to be launching The Music Room at The Outlet. This flagship project encapsulates retail-tainment and will not only be a real treat to our shoppers but will also be of great benefit to our local children. We look forward to the events that will allow people to experience and be inspired by music and have the chance to experience something different,” said Christine Watson, Marketing Manager of The Outlet.

“As Northern Ireland’s premier retail outlet village our strategy is to add value to the Banbridge district and build on the district’s focus on the arts,” she added.

For more information about the Music Room, contact the information centre at The Outlet on 028 4062 5151 or email [email protected]