Memorable musical evening at St Nicholas’s as new orchestra take to the stage

A traditional sort of Christmas was very much in the air as singers Seán Keane and Lisa Lambe led a group of almost 80 talented young musicians from across the city and county for a special concert in the wonderful surrounds of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Sunday.

A Christmas Celebration had two purposes –  it was to celebrate the spirit of the season but also to mark the first year of Galway Traditional Orchestra, which has been rehearsing weekly since it was established last January.

Young Galway actor Ely Solan also played his part, performing Christmas readings set to music – and even Minister Ciaran Cannon, no stranger to the keyboards through his solo work and from playing with Seán Keane, was among the other performers on the evening.

Galway Traditional Orchestra, which has 78 members, is the brainchild of well-known musician Eric Cunningham from Headford, who is also its artistic director.

The group encompasses Irish traditional musicians – some of whom prefer to perform without notation – and also includes people who perform pop, jazz and classical music and are used to using sheet music.

Most traditional orchestras in Ireland are made up of traditional musicians and traditional instruments exclusively, says Eric – but his vision was different, as he explains.

“Having performers from disparate musical backgrounds encourages a more varied and inspired artistic output and increases the interaction between young performers from different parts of the city and county.”

The eclectic experience of the nearly 80-strong orchestra made for a rich and vibrant sound in the hallowed space of St Nicholas’ on Sunday – and for those who took part or attended, it was a perfect start to Christmas.