Ireland’s Young Musical Ambassadors Hit the High Notes at Dept. of Education EU Presidency Events

Dublin April 4, 2013: Since the commencement of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in January, some of the country’s finest young musicians have taken centre stage performing for international delegates at a series of Department of Education and Skills events.

The performance programme has showcased superb young musical ambassadors from Sligo, Donegal, Mayo and Louth each nominated by Local Music Education Partnerships in these areas. Featured performers have included Co. Louth harpist Michael O’Neill, Co. Donegal jazz duo Michael and Conor Murray, Co. Sligo’s Teaspach traditional music group and Co. Mayo’s Carabells bell ensemble.

The ambitious performance programme is being run in partnership with theDepartment of Education and Skills and Music Generation – the U2 and Ireland Funds’ supported National Music Education Programme initiated by Music Network and co-funded with Local Music Education Partnerships throughout the country.

Ruairí Quinn T.D., Minister for Education and Skills commented, “The Department of Education and Skills is delighted to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Music Generation on this exciting performance programme during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. All of the featured performers have been worthy musical ambassadors for their country. Their exceptional performances have significantly enhanced all of our events and the experience for our international delegates, and have highlighted the importance of celebrating and nurturing the creative and musical ability of our children and young people.”

Chairman of Music Generation, Tony Ó Dálaigh said, “I would like to commend the young performers on their tremendous contribution to enhancing these important EU Presidency events and to thank the Local Music Education Partnerships with whom we work closely for making this ambitious performance programme possible. It has provided a terrific international platform for some of Ireland’s finest young musical ambassadors.”

As the EU Presidency now enters the half way stage of its six month period, an exciting line up of performers from Sligo, Laois and Cork City are planned for a variety of events over the next three months.

For further information, please contact Eithne Egan, Director of Operations & Communications, Music Generation eithne@musicgeneration.ie/ 087 4109233 or visit www.musicgeneration.ie