Rushmere Symphony Orchestra

The Ulster Youth Orchestra performed a pop-up performance and music school at Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon Saturday 28^th July

Showing thanks for the centre’s sponsorship of the organisation, hundreds of shoppers, visitors and employees were treated to the soaring sounds of Handel’s Sarabande, Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky and ‘Tale as old as time’ from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as they echoed off the walls of Rushmere’s central mall.

A shout out went out from the Orchestra in recent weeks for talented young musicians across Northern Ireland to sign up for the experience of rehearsing with conductor David McCann and some of its regular musicians. With performers ranging in age from 5 to 75, the response was huge with over 40 signing up within days from those proficient in the violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba.

Ruth McCann, Ulster Youth Orchestra Administrator, said;

“We are delighted with the response that we had to this exciting initiative and even more so with the unforgettable experience for both these young musicians and their families, friends and the shoppers of Rushmere. On behalf of the UYO, I want to extend my thanks to Rushmere Shopping Centre for its ongoing support of our organisation and we look forward to a wonderfully productive period of support.”

Rushmere is committed to providing new experiences for its patrons through education, interaction, innovation and fun and this sponsorship arrangement with UYO allows both organisations to fulfil their ambitions to reach out to the community.

Martin Walsh, Centre Manager, said;

“Our relationship with the Ulster Youth Orchestra is one borne out of a desire to bring the stunning sounds of classical music to the mall for the enjoyment of locals or have made the journey to visit us in Craigavon. To witness the enthusiasm and professionalism these young musicians displayed during the rehearsal and through the performance was testament to their dedication and the tutelage of David and his team from the Orchestra.”

Throughout 2018/19, Rushmere will have visibility on the Ulster Youth Orchestra’s programmes at their various events, promotional flyers and at their 25^th Anniversary concert at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on 25^th August 2018, strengthening its supportive message of the arts across Northern Ireland.

“Well done to everyone and thank you! My son Harrison was there with his trumpet and he thoroughly enjoyed the day!!”