City of Belfast Youth Orchestra celebrate 70th anniversary

EA Music’s City of Belfast Youth Orchestra (CBYO) marked its 70th anniversary with a spectacular end-of-year concert at the Ulster Hall on Sunday, June 15th. The event was made particularly special by the attendance of world-renowned flautist Sir James Galway and Lady Galway who were greeted by Head of Music Service, Darren Canmore.

Sir James, a founding member of the CBYO, received a thunderous standing ovation from the large and appreciative audience upon his arrival. During the interval, he graciously met with several members of the audience, shared a few moments with the soloists who performed, and met members of the CBYO wind section.

Both Sir James and Lady Galway expressed immense praise for the high quality of the performances showcased by the young musicians. They conveyed their heartfelt best wishes to the CBYO members for a successful forthcoming tour to Italy in July, highlighting the importance of such experiences for aspiring musicians.

The anniversary concert served as a testament to the enduring legacy of the CBYO and its continued commitment to fostering musical talent in Belfast. The presence of Sir James and Lady Galway undoubtedly added a memorable dimension to this significant milestone for the orchestra.