SOME of Donegal’s best young musicians have shown off their talents at conference held as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Ceoltóirí Chloich Cheannfhaola traditional band and jazz duo Michael and Conor Murray took to the stage to perform as guest artists for the Department of Education and Skills’ Conference on the Role of the Teacher Educator.
Nominated by the Donegal VEC Music Education Partnership (DMEP) these worthy musical ambassadors performed to distinguished international delegates at an event at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Dublin this week.
Ceoltóirí Chloich Cheannfhaola was established in 2009 as a performing group from the Cloich Cheannfhaola Comhaltas branch and they have since gone from strength to strength developing musically and socially through Irish culture. In 2011 they were winners of the Ulster Fleadh in the under 15 Céilí Band Competition and have recently participated in a cultural exchange in Inverness.
Twin brothers Michael and Conor Murray’s musical interests and influences are diverse, ranging from classical to jazz, popular and traditional.
Initially self-taught, they now study saxophone and double bass with the Donegal VEC Music Education Partnership and regularly perform with the Donegal Youth Orchestra, Errigal Grove Orchestra and Ceoltóirí Chloich Cheannfhaola.
Said Angela McLaughlin: “Music Generation is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Department of Education and Skills, and Donegal MEP for this EU Presidency event.
“The achievements of Donegal MEP since its establishment in 2005 have been significant and Music Generation builds upon its success in rolling out the MEP model throughout the country.”
This performance was the third in a series of exciting musical celebrations that have been organised by the Department of Education and Skills and Music Generation to mark Ireland’s EU Presidency featuring some of Ireland’s finest young musicians from throughout the country over the coming months.