The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra performing ‘An Bealach ar Ais’, Composed by Michael Rooney.

“An Bealach Ar Ais” which will be part of the repertoire to be performed on Saturday. The three pieces - Aonrú, Sult, and Dóchas - are Michael Rooney’s own compositions, and represent a seamless fusion of classical and traditional music. Not only did Michael arrange the pieces for the orchestra, but he also facilitated a day-long workshop on Sunday October 24th.

On the day, five youth orchestras will perform during the festival including Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra, Education Authority City of Belfast School of Music Junior Chamber Orchestra, Dundalk Grammar SchoolOrchestra, Music Generation Louth Senior String Orchestra and Queen's University Symphony Orchestra.