Calling All Music Makers: Celebrate World Children’s Day 2024 through Music!
On World Children’s Day on November 20th we’re inviting young musicians to share their favourite musical moment from We are Music Generation 2024!
This evening 22nd April two talented musicians from County Sligo will perform for international delegates at a Department of Education and Skills Conference organised as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency. This event, which takes place at Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, will feature vocalist and flautist Niamh Farrell and accordionist and pianist Jos Kelly. young musical ambassadors have been nominated by Sligo Music Education Partnership to represent the county on this international stage.
Niamh Farrell began playing the whistle at a young age and soon developed an interest in the flute and singing. She was a member of Spraoi winners of Siansa Gael Linn All Ireland Final in 2010 and currently sings with the Sligo band, The JPTrio which released an EP in 2012. She holds four All-Ireland titles in Singing and Flute Slow Airs in both Fleadh and Scór competitions. She was also involved in Michael Rooney's World Premiere performance of The Battle of the Books Suite in 2006 & The De Cuellar Suite in 2011 and has performed on stage with renowned musicians such as Bobby McFerrin and Téada.
Jos Kelly has been playing music for over ten years on both the button accordion and piano, playing traditional Irish music on the accordion, and jazz and classical on the piano. He has achieved honours in grade 8 classical piano, as well as winning several All-Ireland Fleadh Ceol medals in various competitions on accordion and piano. He was a band member of the winning group, Spraoi, in the Siansa Gael Linn competition in 2009. Jos is currently a band member with two bands, The JPTrio and Moxie. JPTrio were awarded the Danny Kyle award for best young band in 2010 at Celtic Connections in Glasgow. Both bands have played abroad and at festivals such as Electric Picnic, Celtic Connections, Sligo Live, Dingle Trad Fest, Spirit and Folk Festival, Doolin Trad Fest and many more.
“Music Generation is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Department of Education and Skills on this exciting performance programme to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the EU”, said Rosaleen Molloy, National Director of Music Generation. “As we reach the half-way point, the partnership is providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the country’s finest young musicians and is providing them with the opportunity to perform to an international audience”.
Three further events are scheduled over the coming months, which will feature young performers from Donegal, Cork, Mayo and Laois.
For further information please contact Music Generation, c/o Music Network, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2. 01 6719945 / info@musicgeneration.ie / www.musicgeneration.ie
Notes to editors: Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and funded by U2 and The Ireland Funds, together with a range of local partners. Music Generation helps children and young people to access music education in their local area. Music Generation is currently established in Carlow, Cork City, Laois, Limerick City, Louth, Mayo, Offaly/Westmeath, Sligo and Wicklow and works with Music Education Partnerships in each of these areas. Music Generation also works closely with the Department of Education and Skills who have committed to co-fund the programme with local Music Education Partnerships from July 2014. Visit www.musicgeneration.ie for further information.
