The official opening of the newly refurbished Laois Music Centre, Church Avenue, Portlaoise, home to both Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois took place last week with the honours performed by Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Thomasina Connell.
Laois Music Centre houses both Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois, and welcomes over 750 music students each week to take part in music classes, bands, orchestras, and ensembles.
Open six days a week, with children as young as three, right up to adult learners. Group classes and one-to-one classes are available, there is something to suit all families. An instrument bank is also available to take instruments out on loan.
The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund enabled Laois County Council to purchase the former Scoil Mhuire in 2018 and upgrade the building.
A retrofit included: triple glazing windows, exterior insulation, a heat pump, solar panels, and a large performance space.
The Performance space enables Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois to host indoor music recitals and events.
Speaking at the event, Thomasina Connell, Cathoirleach of Laois County Council said: “Laois Music Centre, a unique creative space in the midlands region, signifies the strong level of partnership between Laois County Council and Laois Offaly Education Training Board, as Laois County Council spearheaded the purchase and development of the building, and Laois Offaly ETB manage the music programmes that take place within the centre, and throughout County Laois as part of the Music Generation Laois outreach programmes.’
The official opening of Laois Music Centre was presented by Music Generation Laois and Laois School of Music, supported by Laois County Council as part of the Local Live Performance Programme funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
To find our more, see musicgenerationlaois.ie or call 057 8681782/ email mgl@loetb.ie
You can check out a selection of images below from the event, as captured by photographer Alf Harvey.
Picture: Alf Harvey
Dolores, Liam, William and Eleanor Rose Delaney with Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Thomasina Connell
