Irish Association of Youth Orchestras AGM Cork

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The Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO) is a resource body dedicated to supporting the endeavours of youth orchestras in Ireland. Over the years the ensembles that I have worked with have benefited from their instrument bank and pool of expertise. The annual festival hosted usually in the National Concert Hall is a well managed show case event that provides a memorable platform experience  for the many young players fortunate to participate. 



The annual AGM  was held at the Cork School of Music last Sunday. The procedings began with a tour of the impressive state of the art new building with staff memberTomás McCarthy. The view from the library at the top floor is perhaps the best in the city. Having viewed a dizzying array of technological features and (yes I can vouch there are two Steinways in every practice room),  the group paused at a most unusual feature which stood out from the gleaming glass, chrome and tehnical wizardry - a beautifully crafted wooden bookcase with a selection of handsome music volumes with ancient fonts and gasp! gold lettering.

Following lunch and AGM, we were treated to a performance by a student ensemble of arrangements of folksongs by degree students  under conductor Geoffrey Spratt with Alan Cutts at the piano. The dozen or so numbers,  most of them familiar arranged for strings with flute, clarinet  and percsussion were a charming collection and suitable for intermediate orchestras with players around grade 3 or so.  They will be an excellent addition to many school  ensemble's repertoire.

Tomás McCarthy in the studio

Well done to CEO  Allin Gray and  Bertie Buckley There is always something interesting and worth the trip at this annual meeting and as always good to catch up with fellow musicians and to make new contacts.  Membership rates are inexpensive and a a wide range of groups from fledgeling  small ensembles to symphony orchestras are on the list of members