Music Generation Annual Report 2025

Below are some national and local highlights from across the year, spotlighting the work and dedication of our young musicians, Musician Educators, and Local Partners: 

• “Isle of Song”

A cross-border collaboration uniting 50 young musicians from counties Laois, Offaly, Derry and Antrim to create, record and perform original music.

• National Musician Educators Gathering in Dublin  

The gathering was dedicated to celebrating the role of Musician Educators and the incredible impact of their work with children and young people across the country. 

• Department of An Taoiseach Child Poverty and Well-being Summit.

Jimmy Maguire, from Music Generation Louth, composed and performed two original pieces for the Child Poverty and Well-being Summit in September 2025. The Child Poverty and Well-being Summit is an annual initiative hosted by the Department of the Taoiseach. It aims to accelerate action across government to reduce child poverty in Ireland. 

Read more about our National Events in our 2025 Annual Report here. 

• Féile Fearann Rí - Music Generation Cork City

A festival celebrating traditional Irish music, language and creativity on the northside of Cork City, with a strong focus on social inclusion and community participation. The programme featured 16 events, including school performances, intergenerational workshops, storytelling and a flagship gala concert. Watch some of the performance here. 

• “Song in 60-Minutes"- Music Generation Fingal 

The one-hour workshop invited participants to compose and record an original song in 60 minutes. The event, hosted at Swords Castle, brought together over 50 participants of all ages and took place on Culture Night.Participants collaborated through creating lyrics, vocals and instrumental elements to the song. They named the track “The Lonely Wolf”. It was premiered on RTÉ Radio 1. Listen back to the interview and premier here. 

• Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan Cross Border Folk Orchestra- Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan

Over 100 young musicians performed to wide acclaim at Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival and Belfast TradFest, presenting new work and arrangements by composer Michael Rooney.

• "FREE US"  - Music Generation Roscommon 

In 2025, young people from the Foróige Roma UBU Youth Projects in Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea collaborated with Music Generation Roscommon to create and release two major original music videos. The Roma Rap group in Ballaghaderreen wrote, recorded, and released their original song and music video, titled "FREE US. Watch the music video here.