Another year of wonderful partnerships. To begin with we had a visit from a very young Chinese orchestra. So we created a young ensemble ourselves to partner up with them. The result exceeded all our expectations and the concert made national television which was so exciting for the little ones. Parents in the school practically demanded that we keep this ensemble going and so we did. They are now called Fidil and have gone from strength to strength each year.

We also partnered up with the Galway Community Circus for a life show in a big top as part of the Galway Theatre Festival. Over one weekend we gave three performances to packed houses. The Circus is a very special bunch of individuals who work hard to make young people learn how to perform but also to create their own performances. This show was one of our best ever highlights.

Pirrko Simoyoki followed on from where Yvonne Frye had started last year. Generally considered one of the best string teachers in the world we sat in wonder for three days while she shared ideas and ways of looking at the musical world that made us appreciate why she is held is such high esteem.

Laoise McMullin won the MCnG prize this year. She now studies for her performance degree in RIAM and in 2019 was first in her class.

This summer we made the move from St Mary’s College to the Presentation National School and to mark the occasion Dr John O’Conor agreed to become the patron of the school, a privilege we thank him for from the bottom of our hearts.