This project was initiated by the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and SANCTUARY, a HEA funded organization which seeks to create links between University of Limerick and refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants. The Irish Chamber Orchestra joined World Carnival in 2009, to deliver a music project in Presentation Primary School, Sexton Street, Limerick.

Presentation Primary School is one of the most culturally diverse in the country, with 25 different nationalities in attendance. Through World Carnival ICO Education Officer Kathleen Turner designed and implemented a world song programme for 120 children in Junior Infants to Second Class. Over 24 weeks the pupils learned music from a range of nationalities including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, USA, France, Poland, and Ireland. The project culminated in a day of workshops for all pupils with ten musicians from the Irish Chamber Orchestra and a second day of rehearsal and performance for the children’s families and local community. Pupils and audience were invited to come in National Dress and all pupils and musicians involved produced art work displayed at the concert.

This year, the children will present their first performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance on the UL campus on Wednesday 21 March at 12.00 noon. In this unique performance, the one hundred and twenty children will perform songs together from as far afield as South Africa, North America, Mexico and Poland as well as some Irish favourites, accompanied by musicians from the Irish Chamber Orchestra – Katherine Hunka and Malachy Robinson with guests from Latin American group Lunfardia, Lucas Gonzales and Dermot Dunne.  This project encourages children to enjoy, explore and engage in their many cultural backgrounds thus celebrating their diversity and many talents.   Come along and enjoy this carnival celebration of multi-cultures through songs and music from around the world. Wear your national colours and enjoy the party! Click here for more details…