We have had the pleasure to perform at the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras Festival of Youth Orchestras in the National Concert Hall four times. Our first performance was in 2009, followed by 2013, 2018 and most recently in 2023.
2023
In 2023 we were welcomed back to the National Concert Hall for the IAYO’s 27th Festival of Youth Orchestras in February 2023. Our programme included: Slavonic Dance Op, 46 No. 8 by Dvorak, The Thunder and Lightning Polka by Strauss, ABBA’s Does Your Mother Know, and finally Paint It Black from the Rolling Stones.
2020
At the 25th IAYO Festival of Youth Orchestras in February 2020 we were honoured to receive the Youth Orchestra Achievement Award, acknowledging the work and success of our performance of Highlights from the Nutcracker, with Victoria Walker Dance and the Jeté Youth Project in December 2019.
2018
We performed Hungarian Dance No.6 by Johannes Brahms, Across the Stars (the Love Theme from Star Wars: Episode II) by John Williams and a Medley of Music from Pirates of the Caribbean by Klaus Badelt.
In the run-up to the festival the Irish Independent interviewed some of our musicians about the orchestra and their own history with music.
2017
In 2017 our own Pauline Rodgers was honoured with the Agnes O’Kane Award in recognition of her dedication and support in providing musical opportunities to the children and young people of Mayo through her work with the Mayo Youth Orchestra. The IAYO present this award annually to volunteers who support the growth of youth orchestras. Pauline has always been an integral part of the Mayo Youth Orchestra, helping establish the orchestra and encouraging our young musicians – a very well deserved recipient!
2015
In the 20th year of the Festival the IAYO organised a Festival Orchestra made up of young musicians from orchestras around the country. We were very honoured to have four of our dedicated musicians taking part.
2013
Our second performance at the IAYO Festival of Youth Orchestras.
2009
Our first performance in the National Concert Hall as part of the IAYO Festival of Youth Orchestras.