Speaking after attending one of the Orchestra’s summer concerts at the Guildhall in Londonderry, Minister Campbell said: “The performance of the Orchestra tonight, directed by guest conductor Takuo Yuasa, was tremendous and I would like to commend all those involved particularly the musicians themselves.
“The talent on display tonight is further evidence of the high calibre of young musicians which we have in Northern Ireland and we should all be proud of their achievements.”
“The Board and staff of the Ulster Youth Orchestra also deserve recognition for their work in continuing to provide an outlet for young people from across Northern Ireland to develop and showcase their musical talents.”
The Minister also thanked the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the corporate sponsors, UK property development and investment company Land Securities Trillium, for supporting the work of the Orchestra: “The funding provided by both the Arts Council and Land Securities Trillium will enable the Orchestra to deliver a full programme in the 2008/09 season. It is heartening to see that the Ulster Youth Orchestra can attract substantial sponsorship to support its work.”
Notes to Editors:
- The 2008-09 Programme started officially on 30 July when 92 young musicians assembled for the Orchestra’s annual residential course at Greenmount Agricultural College, Antrim, which will culminate in the two summer concerts at the Guildhall, Londonderry and Whitla Hall, Queen’s University Belfast, on 7 and 8 August respectively. Both performances will be directed by the internationally renowned Japanese conductor, Takuo Yuasa, who has worked with the Ulster Youth Orchestra previously, in 2006.
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