Oriel Orchestra to begin exciting new project in Dundalk this Autumn

The Oriel Traditional Orchestra (OTO) says it is looking forward to returning to rehearsals as it embarks on an exciting new project. It is inviting musicians from across the region to join its ranks as it celebrates the centenary of Irish-born composer Sir Charles Villiers Stanford.

The OTO will begin this project on Saturday 31 August in the Carroll Building at DkIT, where it will welcome back members and invite new members.

This year’s project is funded by the Communities Integration Fund from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. As a community orchestra in the region, the OTO will host a workshop facilitated by an international team of professional musicians leading to a concert in November. 

The repertoire for the project will draw on music associated with or named for places in the Oriel region found in the collections of George Petrie, which was edited by Stanford at the start of the twentieth century. These pieces will be reimagined by the OTO and we hope to embrace the diversity of sounds and cultural backgrounds of our communities in the arrangements.

The OTO has established a strong reputation in the community for its activities and welcomes new members from all musical and cultural backgrounds. It rehearses regularly across the region, with activities alternating between Dundalk, Carrickmacross, Crossmaglen, Castleblaney and other locations. For more information on how to become a member or for other information see www.orieltrad.org