Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra

The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra was founded in 2006 to provide a high-quality orchestra experience for young musicians from the midland counties of Ireland and beyond.

The IMYO is an orchestra of young people aged 12 to 20. The orchestra rehearses once a month during the academic year, with two day tuition courses in winter and summer, as well as occasional national and international trips. There are 3 to 4 performances each season, from our own concerts to festivals and collaborations. Learn more about us!

History

The orchestra holds annual auditions each summer, but interested musicians are welcome to get in contact at any time of the year. Get in touch!

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Photo by John Soffe 2022

Latest

  • 20th Anniversary Gala Concert

    3 May 2026, 6pmEsker Arts, Tullamore With special guests Vltava String Quartet, soprano Erin Dollard, Mullingar Harp School & Tullamore Stage School Choir with Musical Director Regina McCarthy. The Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra are excited to be celebrating 20 years with a gala concert at Esker Arts, Tullamore. Conducted by Matt Rafter, the concert will

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  • Workshop Day with Army Band and Meliora Quartet

    Last Sunday, our IMYO members attended workshops with members of the Army Band and the Meliora String Quartet in the music department of Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone. Huge thanks to Capt. William Chester, and players Martin, Francesca, Padraig, Jack and Andrea of the Defense Forces Band of the 2 Brigade, who gave

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  • WINTER COURSE 2026

    Another wonderful weekend of workshops with our tutors. Well done to all our members, great musical progress over the course of the weekend. We dug into loads of new music, and even split the orchestra in half for two pieces: Irish Suite for Strings by Arthur Duff for the strings, and The Curse of Tutankhamun

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