Composer and performer Dr Ryan Molloy, one of MU Music's lecturers, has been awarded a new commission from Music Generation Laois to compose a work for its Trad Orchestra for performance in July 2017. Through a series of workshops and with the support of a host of renowned traditional musicians, Ryan will collaborate with the young musicians in Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra to create a tailor-made composition focusing on the orchestra's wide range of traditional instruments and orchestral percussion.
Music Generation Laois is a performance music education programme for children and young people in County Laois. Music Generation Laois is based in the Arts Office, Laois County Council, and delivers engaging music programmes in schools and centres, across eight programme strands: Choral, Uilleann Pipes, Orchestral, Harp, Brass, Stampede (World) Drumming, The Music Box – a Music Programme for children and young people with special needs, and a School of Rock and Pop. Since it was established in 2012, Music Generation Laois has invested over €75,000 in an instrument bank and in 2014 over 1500 children and young people participated in the programme. Young people have access to weekly tuition and instruments at subsidised costs, augmented by once-off workshops, masterclasses, concert attendance and performances, including performances at Electric Picnic 2014.
Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation – Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds together with, The Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships.