6th April 2014: Acclaimed U.S Choral Conductor Dr. Doreen Rao led 400 children and young children from across Ireland in the inaugural Big Sing held today, Sunday April 6th in the Mansion House, Dublin. The event, organised by Music Generation - the U2 and Ireland Funds’ supported national music education programme initiated by Music Network, was the first time that Music Generation participants from across Ireland performed together on a national stage and marks the culmination of the Choral Music Education Programme, run in association with Association of Irish Choirs and the Choral Music Experience Institute.
Dr. Doreen Rao is the Director of the US Institute for Choral Teacher Education and is credited with revolutionising the landscape in conducting and music education in North America. Her interactive conducting and music education methods are inspired by diversity, a healing practice rooted in ancient cultures and a mindfulness practice. In advance of today’s event Dr. Rao has been travelling across Ireland delivering choral workshops to Music Generation students.
Speaking at the event Dr. Rao said “Today, being surrounded by all these wonderful young people who have put so much energy and enthusiasm into the songs they sing, has been a truly inspirational experience. The sense of happiness and joy in this room is tangible and I was truly honoured to lead today’s performance.
“For the past week I have had the opportunity to travel right across the country and work really closely with Music Generation, the students and the tutors delivering choral workshops. Through this I have seen how Music Generation is empowering children and young people to celebrate music and their own talent. I also wish to commend all the partner groups who have helped bring the event together – with so much commitment and energy shown one has to think that the future looks bright for choral music education in Ireland”.
The hugely successful and innovative Choral Music Education Programme that has been running since September, has brought together some forty choral conductors, choir leaders and music teachers to study with Dr. Rao and an expert faculty and is supporting singing and choral projects throughout the country.Music Generation National Director Rosaleen Molloy said “The Big Sing is the very first time that we have been able to bring so many young people involved in Music Generation together to perform and we are very lucky to have had Dr. Doreen Rao here lead us on this momentous occasion. Her methodology has inspired much of the Music Generation ethos, she is an exceptional choral conductor and an inspirational music educator whose approach has transformed music education in North America.
“The Big Sing was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity and I have to thank the hard work that our 400 choristers put in in advance and the energy they brought to their performance today. It is an incredibly proud moment for us all!”
Music Generation, the U2 and Irelands Funds’ supported national music education programme initiated by Music Network, was set up in 2009 to increase access to music education for children and young people. To date some 15,000 children and young people across eleven counties are participating in the programme. The Department of Education has committed to funding the initiative on a phased basis from July 2014.
Notes to editors
Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and funded by U2 and The Ireland Funds, together with Local Music Education Partnerships. Music Generation helps children and young people access high quality subsidised music education in their local area.
Music Network established Music Generation on receipt of a €7 million donation in 2009 from U2 and The Ireland Funds, following a ten year campaign for the development of a national system of music education in Ireland. Music Generation works closely with the Department of Education and Skills who have committed to continuing to develop and sustain the Music Education Partnerships with Exchequer funding in future years when the donations cease. The Department of Education and Skills will commence co-funding the initiative on a phased basis from July 2014, beginning initially in Louth, Mayo & Sligo. Visit www.musicgeneration.ie for further information.
Ends//
Media Contact
Sile Murphy, Q4PR, 086 0288 132 / 01 475 1444
A look back at Access Artistry and Advocacy - Music Generation's National Conference which spotlighted the importance of access to music.
On 2nd March 2024 over 1,000 music makers from all over Ireland attended 'We are Music Generation' at the Convention Centre.
We are asking young musicians nationwide to share online what music means to them and their favourite music-making moments.
Get the latest news and stories from the Music Generation network delivered straight to your inbox each month.