Five young harpers from Music Generation Laois, and their teacher Siobhan Buckley, are preparing to tour Japan this August.
The Music Generation Laois Senior Harp Ensemble have been invited to travel to Japan by harpist Riko Matsuoka, to tour original music by Composer Michael Rooney.
This music, ‘The Spirit of Laois’ was commissioned by Music Generation Laois in 2017 and has since been performed at many local events in Laois and national events across the Country, promoting Laois and young Laois musicians.
This 10 day music tour will include 3 performances in professional concert venues, a performance in the Irish embassy in Tokyo and a schools’ project. The tour will take place from the August 14 to 23.
The five young harpers travelling to Japan are from all over Laois.
Kiêu Conroy from Portlaoise, a 2nd year student in Mountmellick Community School, was a prize winner at Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil and the International Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow.
Emily Breslin is a native of Mountmellick and currently a 2nd year student in Alexandra College Dublin. She was also a prize winner at the Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil and has performed at the Breizh Pan Celtic festival in Brittany, France, and in Tennessee, USA.
Dasha Buckova from Portlaoise, a 3rd year student in Heywood Community School, is also joined by Niamh O’Shea from Abbeyleix, a 2nd year student in Heywood Community School and Lily Van Den Bergh, a 4th year student in Dunamase College, Portlaoise.
These young musicians are excellent ambassadors for County Laois.
The ensemble performed in July 2022 at the World Harp Congress in Cardiff, as well as many other community events locally in Laois, and at concerts throughout Ireland.
These five young harpers have come up through the Music Generation Laois harp programme since 2012 onwards, with the majority beginning their harp studies in their local national school and from there attending classes in Laois Music Centre.
Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board a registered charity. Music Generation Laois is now fundraising to cover the costs of this once-in-a-lifetime tour.
Any assistance to bring this original music celebrating Co. Laois, and 5 wonderful young Laois musicians to Japan, is greatly appreciated.
To make a donation email mgl@loetb.ie. This group of young musicians would be delighted to perform at an event or in a local business in lieu of a donation.
SEE ALSO – Check out the dedicated Podcast section on the LaoisToday website
