A symphony of youth

On the Town: Symphonic memories include works by Mahler, Strauss, Wagner, Glinka, Ravel and Gershwin

On the Town: Symphonic memories include works by Mahler, Strauss, Wagner, Glinka, Ravel and Gershwin. It's difficult to choose a highlight but for the lead violinist with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, Róisín Walters (16), picks Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony.

Fellow violinists Jennifer Cassidy (17), Avril Murphy (15), Siobhán Perry and Robert Farhat (15) all nod in agreement.

"It was the last symphony he wrote. He was depressed and it's very dark. He was being forced to commit suicide because he was gay," Walters explained sadly.

The NYOI, which was formed 35 years ago, launched plans for the coming year at a reception in the Mansion House this week, and Joanna Crooks, the orchestra's general manager, announced the launch of six CDs featuring concerts from the last three years.

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The new Lord Mayor of Dublin, Michael Conaghan, was there to welcome the musicians. The newly-arrived Ambassador of Malta, Richard Muscat, was also there.

Gearóid Grant, the orchestra's conductor for the past 25 years, said he loves the idea "of bringing great masterpieces to children for the first time and seeing them really enjoy it".

"The NYOI plans a total of 35 concerts, including 14 symphonic programme schedules for this year," said Dr Tim Mahony, chairman of Toyota Ireland, which sponsors the orchestra.

He looked forward to its New Year gala concert, which will celebrate Cork's inauguration as European Capital of Culture.

Brian Lenihan, the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, listed some of the upcoming highlights from the under-18s, including an all-Russian programme this summer with performances in Waterford on Tuesday, July 6th, on Inis Mór on Thursday, July 8th, and at the National Concert Hall on Sunday, July 11th.

For more information, click on www.nyoi.ie or telephone 01-6613642 or 01-6628735.