The Ulster Orchestra’s exciting new Primary Schools Concert series promises to captivate the imaginations of P4-P7 pupils through music and storytelling throughout Northern Ireland. With concerts in Newry, Belfast, Ballymena, Derry~Londonderry and Omagh, an estimated 4,000 children will experience the magic of orchestral music and the beauty of our planet.
"This year's primary schools' concerts sold out in record time and we're very excited to see all 4,200 pupils and teachers at the concerts across Northern Ireland," said Lucy McCullagh, Head of Community Engagement & Grants. "The theme this year is ‘Our Wonderful World’, and we have been inundated with beautiful artwork that pupils have created in response to Earth by Hans Zimmer, which will be displayed during the performance. Schools' concerts week is a very special one for us.
"Witnessing the pupils' energy and joy is a powerful reminder of the pure exhilaration that experiencing a full orchestra up close can bring."
Under the theme Our Wonderful World, the Ulster Orchestra will guide young audiences through a musical adventure celebrating nature, the incredible diversity of animal life, and the vital importance of protecting the environment. From majestic creatures to the breathtaking landscapes of the natural world, the concert aims to inspire children to appreciate the planet’s wonders and consider how they can help protect them.
The Orchestra is thrilled to once again collaborate with presenter Cath Arlidge and conductor David Brophy. Cath will guide the audience through the concert, using her storytelling expertise to bring the music to life and help children understand how we are all connected to the world around us. The concert’s interactive format will engage young audiences, making the experience both educational and fun.
Each concert will see the full Ulster Orchestra performing in front of an audience of hundreds of enthusiastic schoolchildren, creating a unique and inspiring atmosphere for all involved. This exciting initiative is part of the Ulster Orchestra’s ongoing commitment to engaging young people with live music and fostering a love of the arts.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Ulster Orchestra in bringing this extraordinary concert series to primary school pupils across Northern Ireland," said Charlie McCloskey, Director of Events and Customer Experience at Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall. "By collaborating on programmes like Our Wonderful World, we hope to inspire a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts in young people.
"It’s a privilege to be part of this initiative, which further strengthens the vital role we play in the live entertainment sector, delivering social, cultural, and economic benefits for Belfast and Northern Ireland."
Pictured: Charlie McCloskey, Director of Events and Customer Experience, Waterfront Hall & Ulster Hall (left), and Zoe Coakley, Learning and Community Engagement Programme Manager, Ulster Orchestra (right).