‘Tales and Harmony’ is an exciting new music piece written and performed by young people from Sligo and Fermanagh.  It will premiere in Sligo and Enniskillen on 28 and 29 April.   40 young people will take to the stage with choir, solo and music performances that promise to wow audiences with energy and originality.  Part of the Sligo PEACE IV programme, in partnership with Music Generation Sligo, the groups have worked separately and together since October 2018, to create a unique performance music piece.  The project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).   Performances will take place in The Model Sligo on Sunday 28 April at 5pm and in the Find Centre, Enniskillen on Monday 29 April at 5.30pm.  Tickets are free and can be booked in advance for the performance in Sligo at 071 9149405 or www.model.ie and will be are available on the door at the Find Centre on the evening of the Enniskillen performance.

The project worked in four youth  organisations and post primary  schools, introducing participants to the music composition and writing for theatre. Facilitated by composer, writer and director Paul McIntyre from Music Generation Sligo, young people from St Mary’s College Ballisodare, Youthreach, Coola Post Primary School in Sligo and The Find Centre in Enniskillen participated in initial music and song writing workshops.    A number of participants then took this work a stage further, under the guidance of Paul, writing compositions based on themes directly relate to their lives.  Many of the original participants are now coming back together, to perform these works, and a stage of 40 will premier their compositions at the end of April.

Rhona McGrath, Sligo Music Education Partnership states: “Music Generation Sligo’s aim in securing funding and delivering this Peace IV project was to offer further opportunities for young people to engage in composing and performing music. Composition allows the young person to look at the world around them through the lens of music. It is also a powerful means for social engagement and forming new friendships. We look forward to the music which will reflect these young people’s journey in composition, inspired by their lives in their communities in Sligo and Enniskillen,”

Through music, the initiative encouraged young participants to work together through music.  New friendships have been made with the composer and musicians making the most of exchanges to literally compare notes and work with each other toward the grand finale.  These groups had never before met or worked together,  will share a stage for two nights demonstrating the positive relationships that have arisen from this programme of work.

Admission: Free

For details of the Sligo Peace IV Programme, see www.sligococo.ie/peace/

Project funding has been provided by the EU’s PEACE IV Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.