Exploring the Life of a Dedicated Youth Orchestra Advocate in Cork
About Her and Her Work
Hailing from Kerry but now residing in Cork City with her partner, our featured individual is deeply involved in promoting youth orchestras across Ireland. Currently, she serves as the marketing and communications officer for the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO).
Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in English and History from the University College Cork. After exploring opportunities in Dublin, she returned to Cork, dedicating herself to arts festivals and organizations. Since 2022, she has been instrumental in driving initiatives at IAYO, which supports approximately 100 youth orchestras nationwide.
Some of the key programs organized by IAYO include orchestral conducting workshops at MTU Cork School of Music during the summer, the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, and the Festival of Youth Orchestras.
Ideal Friday Night
While pre-pandemic she might have spent Friday nights at gigs or pubs, her recent preference leans more towards outdoor activities. Days out exploring Cork’s rich cultural landscape, visiting historical sites, or enjoying nature walks have become her new norm. She cherishes a laid-back approach to weekends, enjoying Cork’s abundant green spaces without feeling exhausted.
Lie-ins or Up Early?
Flexible with mornings, she relishes sleeping in if it’s a rainy day. Conversely, good weather motivates her to get up early and venture outdoors.
Weekend Work Involvement
Though she works diligently during the week, her weekends are typically free from professional obligations.
Ideal Weekend City Break
Seeking sun and rich culture, she dreams of a weekend getaway to Seville. The vibrant Moorish architecture and significant opera heritage are major draws. If she could stay in historic villas, she’d relish the experience, taking her partner along for the adventure.
Recharging in West Cork
A passionate fan of West Cork, she rejuvenates frequently in Skibbereen. Visiting local markets, meandering through picturesque trails, and exploring Lough Hyne exemplify her weekend relaxation in this serene area.
Family and Friends
Her family is scattered far and wide, with one brother residing in South Korea and another in Dublin. She enjoys regular virtual calls with the South Korean brother, while she visits Dublin regularly for cultural events, typically sharing new experiences with friends.
Her social calendar is packed with cultural outings, from exhibitions to art talks. Some of her family and friends live abroad, to whom she sometimes sends handwritten notes or letters to stay in touch.
Hobbies
Despite a busy schedule, she manages to indulge in various hobbies. From attending art exhibitions and quizzes to exploring music and film, she keeps herself engaged. Recently, she has revisited past interests such as scrapbooking, calligraphy, and journaling.
Gardening and bird watching are also among her hobbies. Using the Merlin app, she identifies birds in her garden, enjoying Cork’s diverse wildlife.
Entertainment Preferences
Equally at ease entertaining and being entertained, she prepares meals when having guests over. Her signature dish, the roasted red pepper pasta, is a favorite among visitors. It’s a plant-based recipe from the Minimalist Baker blog, known for its health-conscious offerings.
Cork’s Culinary Scene
When dining out, she frequents Myo for a relaxed lunch, enjoying the café’s lively atmosphere. Located in the heart of Pope’s Quay, Myo hosts a variety of cultural events, from traditional music sessions to poetry readings.
Sunday Night Routine
To prepare for the new week, she tidies up, organizes meals, and reviews her schedule. Planning enjoyable activities helps her look forward to the upcoming days.
Monday Morning Routine
Able to sleep in, she occasionally wakes up earlier to start her day with podcasts, meditation, or yoga before diving into work.
Current Projects
Currently, she is busy preparing for the IAYO 29th Festival of Youth Orchestras. Scheduled for Saturday, February 8th, at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, this event brings together over 400 young musicians.
Several groups, including Cork ETB Junior Orchestra and the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, will perform. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, the festival promises to be an unforgettable event. For more information and tickets, visit nch.ie.