Epic win for the Oriel Traditional Orchestra
The Oriel Traditional Orchestra is celebrating after winning two Epic Awards in a ceremony organised by Voluntary Arts in Edinburgh recently. The event hosted by BBC Scotland presenter Janice Forsyth recognised the achievements of creative groups across the UK and Republic of Ireland. As well as the prestigious People’s Choice Award, the OTO were also the runners up in the Ireland category of the awards.
The Oriel Traditional Orchestra is a voluntary cross-border, intergenerational community orchestra established in September 2017. With members from Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Armagh the OTO concentrates on Irish traditional music repertoire from the Oriel region arranged especially for the orchestra. The orchestra benefits from the voluntary involvement of local music teachers, as well as lecturers and researchers at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
In their acceptance speech, the Orchestra acknowledged the support they have received from Louth and Monaghan County Councils, Creative Ireland, Monaghan Arts Network, and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltachts. They also thanked Dundalk Institute of Technology, the Carrickmacross Workhouse and Tí Chulainn in Mullaghbawn who facilitate their rehearsals.
Josepha Madigan TD, Minister for Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht stated: ‘Winning the People’s Choice Award is also an incredible accolade for the Oriel Traditional Orchestra and reflects its huge achievements in founding a cross border intergenerational ensemble whose aim is to explore the musical heritage of the region. These awards capture the wealth of creativity in all of our communities and the many benefits of living in a more creative Ireland. Enabling and enhancing culture and creativity in communities nationwide is central to the Government’s Creative Ireland programme, which aims to put creativity at the heart of public policy at local and national level, for the very first time.”
While in Edinburgh, the Oriel Traditional Orchestra performed at the Irish consulate in Edinburgh at the invitation of Consul General Jane McCulloch, originally from Slane, who congratulated the OTO on their success. They also played in Rosslyn Castle.
The directors of the orchestra said ‘We are thrilled that we have achieved recognition so quickly. We have developed a great sense of community and grown in confidence as opportunities have opened up for us to share our music and develop new friendships. The 2019 Ireland Award resonates with our ethos and this recognition will further encourage and inspire us to continue to develop and contribute to our community.’
The next performance by the Oriel Traditional Orchestra will be as part of a fundraiser for the Louth Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the Lisdoo on November 15. 2
ABBA Sensations, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading ABBA tribute acts, perform in Dundalk’s newest entertainment spot, The Venue at The Imperial on Saturday night. American comedian Reginald D Hunter returns to the Spirit Store on Tuesday with his new show Facing The Beast. Drawing on twenty years of story-telling, it sees Hunter at his best. His tv appearances include Have I Got News For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South and Songs Of The Border for BBC2.
6
Alan McGee, who discovered bands such as Oasis, Primal Scream and signed them to his record label, Creation Records, will be talking about his career on Sunday evening in The Spirit Store.