Fingal County Council brought the magic of a full orchestra to 1400 children in Swords for Cruinniú na nÓg 2024

Swords Educate Together National School, Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe and Scoil Chrónáín Senior National School responded to the invitation issued by Fingal Arts Office. Musicians Niall O’Sullivan, Shóna Henneberry and Denice Doyle visited each school over three weeks to mentor children in carefully selected songs about inclusivity, diversity, and resilience, alongside the intricate art of ensemble performance. Children were encouraged to explore the layers of orchestral compositions in preparation for performing in front of their peers accompanied by the 35 professional musicians forming the Irish School Orchestra.

Children got acquainted to the instruments of the orchestra and to the classical masterworks, memorable film scores, beloved TV themes and captivating opera & contemporary arias.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council commented, ‘Fingal Arts Office is committed to the enhancement of children’s music education and strives to establish educational partnerships that underscore the pivotal importance of music in a child’s development’.

Niall O’Sullivan, Musical Director said, ‘Highly skilled professionals are at the heart of the Irish School Orchestra, which serves as a catalyst for the development of young minds, inspiring audiences, and musicians alike’, he continued, ‘In an era defined by constant stimulation, this project offers children an oasis and an opportunity to witness the transformative magic of live music’.

Julie Clarke, of Fingal Arts Office commented, ‘This ambitious project connected children in Swords with some of the finest musicians in Ireland and enabled the children to contribute to the music being made, she continued, ‘Orchestral Odyssey is an exemplar of quality music education’.  

In addition to the schools’ programme, a series of interactive music workshops for children, their families and the wider community was presented at Carnegie Library – a new focal point for arts development in Swords, on Cruinniú na nÓg Saturday 15th of June.

Cruinniú na nÓg , Creative Ireland’s annual day of free creative activity for children and young people, has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2018. This event is unique to Ireland and is the flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan, which aims to enable the creative potential of children and young people.

You can view the video of the project here: Orchestral Odyssey 2024 on Vimeo