The Ulster Youth Orchestra is regarded as one of the jewels in the crown of the local arts scene, with a reputation for excellence in all its performances. Established in 1993, the Ulster Youth Orchestra continues to flourish as the premier showcase youth orchestra in Northern Ireland.
Following rigorous competitive auditions, 94 talented young musicians have been selected to attend the annual summer course in preparation for two public concerts in Derry-Londonderry and Belfast. The young players will be coached by a team of highly experienced professional tutors during the intensive 10-day residential course at Greenmount Agricultural College, Antrim.
This year’s programme begins with the exuberant Overture to Colas Breugnon by Kabalevsky. A riotous and accessible opener to set the mood! Prokofiev picks up the dramatic baton as the audience are treated to a selection of movements from arguably one of the best loved ballets, Romeo and Juliet. To close the concert, Bartók’s folk-inspired Concerto for Orchestra gives every section of the orchestra a chance to shine and dazzle in this eternally popular work.
Paula Klein, UYO General Manager, says:
“The excitement is palpable as the young people prepare this summer’s fantastic repertoire and we make our last-minute arrangements ahead of UYO 2024. Many of this year’s members will be here for the first time which adds an exciting edge to the course as we uncover new talent. We look forward to welcoming everyone, to working hard, having fun and to producing high quality, sparkling performances!”
The Ulster Youth Orchestra is grateful for the substantial funding it receives from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to support its work.
Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added,
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to be principal funder of the Ulster Youth Orchestra, the foremost youth music provider in the training, development, and showcasing of our finest young, classical musicians in Northern Ireland. Funding from The National Lottery is a game changer in enabling this important organisation to create the next generation of classical musicians in the region, and I would encourage everyone to go along to the performances at the Guildhall and Ulster Hall, which promise to be two evenings of tremendous music.”