Offaly children hit right notes with innovative music programme

ONE-hundred budding young musicians from Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada entertained a full house on Friday night last (June 13) in the final event of a year-long collaborative music project between the Emsona Music Portal Tullamore and Tullamore Irish language primary school.

Joined by guest artists, Contempo Quartet and Le Chéile Singers, the concert, which was funded by the Creative Ireland Programme, included a colourful array of music from familiar Irish children’s songs such as Dilín Ó Deamhas, to Astor Piazzolla’s stunning Argentinian Tango, La Muerte del Angel and a joyous rendition of City of Stars from the popular film, ‘La La Land’.

The reaction from the crowd was overwhelming at times as enthusiastic applause burst out at the end of each song, bringing smiles to the faces of the children and guest performers.

Some of the many comments received after the performance certainly confirmed the enjoyment experienced by those in attendance: “That was an amazing night of music!”, “Music learning has come a long way since I was in primary school – that was so enjoyable!”, “Wow, as a member of Le Chéile Singers, I found the experience of performing with the Contempo Quartet just magical.”

In addition to the display of fine musicianship and performance prowess on the part of all the young people and guests, the audience was treated to a wonderful display of artwork prepared by both pupils and teachers including music journals and artistic responses to the music being learned throughout the year.

Present amongst the overflowing audience were Offaly TDs John Clendennon and Carol Nolan, as well as representatives from the Creative Ireland Programme and Offaly Local Enterprise Office. Gaelscoil principal, Donna Iníon Ní Mháirtín, many of her staff and parents of the children, who were from Naíonaín Mhóra (Senior Infants), First, Second and Third classes, were delighted to be present also.

Contempo Quartet, comprising Bogdan Sofei, Ingrid Nicola, Andrea Banciu and Adrian Mantu, based in Galway, was originally formed in 1995 in Bucharest, Romania.

It is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today. It has performed worldwide in many prestigious venues, winning prizes at competitions in Munich, Rome and London, and has broadcast widely on European radio and premiered and recorded many contemporary pieces.

Le Chéile Singers, based in Tullamore, are led by music director, Andrius Kozlovskis, who is originally from Vilnius, Lithuania, and founded the choir 15 years ago. Their last two concerts, in Tavira, Portugal, and at St Catherine’s Church, Tullamore, were outstandingly successful, and both involved collaborations with other musicians.

Emsona is a new music teaching, learning, and assessing platform designed specifically for primary school classroom music education.

Founded by cellist, composer and educator, Adele O’Dwyer, Emsona aims to enable the development of deep understanding and fluency in the language of music through active music-making.

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With the launch of the Emsona Music Portal Tullamore, the Emsona platform was made available to Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada on a pilot basis for academic year 2024/'25 where teachers and students engaged in learning activities designed to awaken the musical ear and lay the foundation for inclusive musical participation and growth for all learners.

The event on June 13 offered a window into the learnings that had been achieved by some of the school’s youngest pupils guided by their dedicated classroom teachers in collaboration with the Emsona platform.

Central to the performance was the chance for these young budding musicians to experience the joy of music-making alongside high calibre performing artists as a community of music.

The Emsona Music Portal Tullamore is accepting expressions of interest from educational stakeholders and other interested parties for pilot participation during academic year 2025/'26.