View from the Green Room: Standing ovation for Adult Youth Orchestra of Ireland Summer Concert
Greg Scanlon
The Adult Youth Orchestra of Ireland, under the guidance of Barbara Dowling, gave their first performances in Waterford, providing significant support to specialist cancer charities. The members' passion for playing evolved from their experiences in youth orchestras – thus their unusual title. Their multi-generational membership is unique on the national cultural scene, with siblings, parents, children, teachers and past pupils, all united in playing great music at a very high level.
Skilfully led by Sarah Murphy, this year’s concert in Galway allowed the ensemble to sparkle in Britten’s “Instruments of the Orchestra”, followed by an exciting performance of Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto, with their accomplished soloist Maria Mulcahy.
Under the stylish baton of Ronan O'Reilly, they concluded with Tchaikovsky’s powerful 4th symphony.
Making this performance particularly special was its dedication to noted local musician and teacher, Deirdre Scanlon, who sadly passed away earlier in the year. A valued member of the AYOI, she had played all previous concerts and had been preparing to play this one also.
In a poignant coincidence, also on the programme was a new work by Deirdre’s husband Greg. Titled “Legacy”, it celebrates Waterford’s unique cultural heritage and the individuals who sustained it and it became the musical and emotional highlight of the evening.
It was obvious that the orchestra played this new work in particular memory of Deirdre and with many of its melodies having been inspired by the richness of her own playing, they were delivered with soulful depth and soaring intensity.
Given her gentle nature, Deirdre would have been quietly proud but embarrassed in equal measure.
Local musicians Darina, Lucy and Sophie Kirby, Caroline Fielding, Collette Maloney, Rebecca Miller, Fintan and Emma Scanlon, Liam Walsh, Paul Nolan and David Quinlan, all travelled to add their considerable skills to this special performance.
