Dave Flynn’s Irish Memory Orchestra is seeking young Irish talent to join

One of Ireland's finest composers, Dave Flynn, is looking for young musicians aged 10-24 to join his Irish Memory Orchestra (IMO).

The group is inviting applications from Irish musicians for its 2021/22 IMO Youth Orchestra & Choir programme, titled ‘Vision and Memory’.

After auditioning, the orchestra states that a large number of "full-sighted, blind and visually-impaired instrumentalists and singers will be selected to rehearse and perform alongside core members of the Irish Memory Orchestra and professional blind and visually-impaired musicians."

They will then come together to perform Dave Flynn's The Vision Symphony in Galway on Easter Sunday, April 16, without the use of sheet music - which the Irish Memory Orchestra excludes from all its performances.

Bjorn Bantock will conduct the performance, which will also feature a world premiere of a new collaborative work composed by young blind or visually impaired composers.

“The highlights were to really learn this music off by heart and finally perform it publicly in a very professional manner in great venues," said Freddie Ní Almhain, a 10-year-old previous IMO participant.

"When the last concert was over I cried because I was sad that it was all over. I would really love to do it again."

Another former member, Mary Duggan also enthused about her time in the orchestra, "I made loads of new friends from different counties and it was really cool to play the fusion of styles of music."

Applications are open to all with intermediate to advanced ability and born, or resident in Ireland with all instruments and vocal styles will be considered.

Those wishing to join can click here and then submit a video audition by Friday, September 24.