Music Generation Laois will host a very special event in the magnificent surrounds of the restored Malt House in Stradbally.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural concert, ‘Music at the Malt House’ 2018 will expand to include three days of music and special guest performances, as well as the launch of the much-anticipated Music Generation Laois ‘New Works Series’ album.
The event kicks off on Friday April 13 at 8pm when Music Generation Laois will present Téada, a traditional Irish band with a truly worldwide reach.
Téada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals across the globe, from the US and Canada to the Middle East and Australia.
The band features accomplished musicians Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle), Paul Finn (button accordion), Damien Stenson (flutes and various whistles), Seán Mc Elwain (bouzouki and guitar), Seamus Begley (button accordion and singer) and Tristan Rosenstock (bodhrán player).
On Saturday April 14 at 7pm, a line-up of young and professional musicians will take to the stage.
The world premiere of Ryan Molloy’s ‘Loinnir Laoise’ will be performed by the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra.
This will be followed by the second-ever performance of Michael Rooney’s ‘Spirit of Laois,’ performed by harpists from the Music Generation Laois Harp Programme, commissioned by Music Generation Laois and funded by the Creative Ireland Laois Programme.
The renowned Scottish trad duo Chris Stout (fiddle) and Catriona McKay (harp) will also perform and special guests on the night will include the All Ireland Scor na nÓg Champions from Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton GAA.
Sunday April 15 at 4pm will see the launch of the ‘New Works Series’ album, which has been funded through the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership.
The Music Generation Laois ‘New Works Series’ was commissioned in 2016 to bring young musicians together with three acclaimed professionals to collaborate, write and perform a series of new works for ensembles in the county.
The Music Generation Laois National Schools’ Choir, Laois School of Music Youth Orchestra, Music Generation Laois Senior Harp Ensemble and Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, who each recorded their suites as part of the album, will perform to the audience on the night.
On announcing the event, Rosa Flannery, Coordinator at Music Generation Laois, said: “We’re so excited to host the second annual ‘Music at the Malt House’ event this April, featuring a fantastic line up of young and professional musicians performing new and recent works.
“It’s also a great pleasure to launch the ‘New Works Series’ album which really showcases the talent and creativity of our young musicians here in County Laois.”
All concerts take place in the restored Malt House building in Stradbally, County Laois.
For tickets and more information about ‘Music at the Malt House’, visit www.dunamaise.ie or phone Dunamaise Arts Centre on 0578663355.
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