Cathedral Square is set to host the highlight event of Summer in the City for 2022 on Sunday next, August 14th, when over 70 young musicians from Music Generation Waterford’s specially-formed fusion orchestra will perform for the first time ‘Draíocht Phort Láirge’ – a collection of newly composed music by Nóra Byrne Kavanagh, reflecting the beauty and topography of the Waterford region.
With traditional Irish music setting the main pace of the collection, the undertones of brass, wind, classical guitars, wind, brass, electric, acoustic, bass guitars and percussion will bring a unique eclectic sound, drawing on the talents of young musicians form across Waterford.
Music Development Officer Shauna McCullough said, “we are incredibly excited to be part of Summer in the City once again and share this new music with the people of Waterford. Sunday will be the culmination of months of creative and hard work by everyone involved and we hope the people of Waterford will come out to enjoy the day in Cathedral Square and see the orchestra perform on the big event stage!”
Anna Jordan, Festival Director added, “I am overwhelmed with how lucky we are to live in a county where we can casually pop an originally composed composition with an Orchestra of over 70 youths into Cathedral Square of a Sunday. Music Generation have been a dream team to Summer and the City recovery year and are an asset to Waterford. This is the highlight of this year’s festival.”
‘Draíocht Phort Láirge’ is a collection of 12 original compositions of music, composed by Nóra Byrne Kavanagh with harmonies, countermelodies and percussive elements created through a collaboration between Music Generation Waterford team of local musicians Nóra Byrne Kavanagh (Irish traditional music), Danny Pullman (wind & brass), Jennifer Hartery (classical guitar), Darragh O’Connor (acoustic and electric guitars), Jill Devlin (harps) and Chris O’Sullivan (percussion). The preparation of the orchestra was also supported by Music Generation Waterford team members Emily Cox (Irish traditional music), Edward O’Neill (bass guitars & brass) and Conor Clancy (guitars).
Summer in the City on Sunday August 14th will kick off at 12pm, transforming Cathedral square into a family friendly event with live music from young rock and pop bands, followed by the premiere of ‘Draíocht Phort Láirge’ when the 70 piece orchestra will take to the event stage for 2pm. Waterford sketchers will also be out and about along with child friendly activities available on the day supported by Active Cities Waterford.
This event is funded by Waterford City and County Council, Music Generation Waterford and Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media LLPPS.
Source: Waterford City & County Council
