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Celebrated composer Patrick Cassidy visits Ceol na Mara Youth Orchestra
Celebrated Composer Patrick Cassidy Visits Ceol na Mara Youth Orchestra
Ceol na Mara Youth Orchestra were delighted when composer Patrick Cassidy dropped in on their rehearsal and performance in the Irish Chamber Orchestra Studio, UL

The Ceol na Mara Youth Orchestra were delighted when composer Patrick Cassidy dropped in on their rehearsal and performance in the Irish Chamber Orchestra Studio, UL, recently on a short visit to Limerick from his home in Los Angeles. The orchestra’s founder and director, violinist Oonagh Keogh, is Patrick’s cousin and her youth orchestra for string players have been working on four of Patrick’s compositions.
“It was a great boost for the orchestra that Patrick came to meet them and hear them play,” said Oonagh. They played ‘The Proclamation’ excerpts from his ‘Famine Remembrance Suite’ and ‘The Children of Lir’ and Patrick had an added interest in the orchestra as his 8-year-old niece Holly Cassidy has recently become a member!
Patrick listened to the rehearsal and gave them a few last-minute tips on their interpretation before they gave a performance for family and friends. Afterwards Patrick stayed to chat to the young musicians and their families, many of whom are from Limerick. He was extremely impressed with their standard and said, “It’s great to see such fantastic young talent coming through from the Mid-West region. They are incredibly lucky to have the Ceol na Mara orchestra as an outlet”
The orchestra runs throughout the year in the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s studio in the University of Limerick. They play a wide range of repertoire and recently recorded an EP of original music written and arranged for them by Oonagh which is now on Spotify and other streaming platforms.
The next big event for these young musicians is the Ceol na Mara Summer School for Strings at Kylemore Abbey from 28 to 31, July. Directed by Oonagh Keogh, the programme covers chamber music, orchestra, and traditional Irish music for all ages—from primary school to adult string players.
The ConTempo quartet and Odhrán Ó Casaide will also be tutoring but with limited places available.