Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra to mark 20 years with gala concert

The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra are celebrating 20 years with a gala concert at Esker Arts.

Taking place on Sunday May 3, at 6pm, the concert will feature a varied programme from classical gems to movie soundtrack favourites.

Conducted by Matt Rafter, the event will feature special guests Vltava String Quartet, soprano Erin Dollard, Mullingar Harp School and Tullamore Stage School Choir with musical director Regina McCarthy.

The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra were founded by Vincent Hunt in 2006, as recognised the need for a high-quality youth orchestra in the region.

The orchestra began as a collaborative project involving several smaller orchestras for a performance in the National Concert Hall, and the first official IMYO course was later that year.

They are now a well-established and successful group of young musicians aged 12-20. They meet once per month for rehearsals, and have two or three performances a year.

The orchestra have toured to Germany, Dubai, Spain, and most recently to Vienna in July 2025.

The IMYO are supported by Westmeath County Council, Westmeath PPN and Offaly County Council and Offaly PPN .

Tickets for the concert in May are €15/€10 (+booking fee) and can be purchased at: https://eskerarts.ie/events/irish-midlands-youth-orchestra-20th-anniversary-concert