Cross-border music project showcases Laois ties of friendship
Performing the group song
YOUNG musicians from Laois, Offaly and across Northern Ireland took to the stage of the Dunamaise Arts Centre, on Saturday 20 September, performing original songs from a creative cross-border music project, presented by Music Generation Laois.
Working with Nerve Centre, in Derry, young musicians from Music Generation Laois, Music Generation Offaly, and Northern Ireland came together for a residential week in Corrymeela Co. Antrim, in July and again in Castletown Co Laois in July, to form cross-border bands, and write songs together.
50 young people took part in the project, funded by Creative Ireland’s ‘Shared Island’ initiative. Bands showcased original songs to families, friends and supporters in the Dunamaise on Saturday night. Highly energetic performances on the night showcased the ties of friendship that this project developed among participants.
Speaking at the event, Rosa Flannery Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois said: “This has been an incredible project for the young people involved, young people from different backgrounds and experiences came together, in an intensive residential setting in Antrim and Laois, and the outcomes have been truly powerful and transformative for the young people involved.
Their confidence has soared, their musical and song writing skills have soared, and they’ve had an unforgettable experience, meeting new people and seeing new places. We are very grateful to Creative Ireland, our musician teams in Music Generation Laois and The Nerve Centre, and to the young people we worked with, it's been the most incredible journey.” The two groups will come together for a final showcase event in Nerve Centre, Derry, on Saturday 11 October. To find out more about Music Generation Laois, see musicgenerationlaois.ie.
Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s national performance music education programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and the Department of Education and Youth. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council.
