St. Patrick’s Concert Unites Young Musicians for Galway Tradfest

GALWAY, Ireland — A spectacular showcase of young talent is set to kick off St. Patrick’s Weekend festivities on TG4 this Sunday night. Over 200 young musicians will take the stage for Geantraí – An Ghlúin Úr, a special concert featuring more than 100 instrumentalists from the Music Generation Trad Collective and over 100 singers from the Galway Schools Choir.

The event, filmed during last November’s Galway Tradfest at the University of Galway’s Kingfisher Hall, will air at 9:30 p.m. This landmark performance marks the first time the Music Generation Trad Collective has come together, highlighting the talent from five different regions: Galway, Laois, Waterford, Kerry, and Wicklow.

Among the stellar guest performers will be renowned artists including Sharon Shannon, Beoga, Niall McCabe, Nathan Pilatzke, Bláithín & Nell Ní Mhainín, Augustina Taborda, Niall Teague, Martina Flaherty, and Fionnuala Hannigan. The concert’s producer and musical director, Eric Cunningham, who is also Music Development Officer at Music Generation Galway County, expressed enthusiasm for the project.

“At Music Generation, we recognize the powerful role music plays in the lives of children and young people,” said Cunningham. “The Le Chéile concert provided a unique opportunity for over 200 performers to collaborate and perform alongside some of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians.”

Conductor Ita Geraghty coordinated the orchestral arrangements, ensuring that the young performers would deliver a memorable experience. “We are thrilled that TG4 documented this event, showcasing the efforts of Music Generation across 29 regions in Ireland,” Cunningham added, acknowledging the partners who helped bring the concert to fruition.

The concert aims to inspire future generations of musicians and set the stage for a vibrant cultural celebration. Viewers can catch Geantraí – An Ghlúin Úr on TG4 or via the TG4 Player.