It was a case of events coming full circle for Ruth O’ Leary, who made her debut as conductor of St Canice’s NS Orchestra in the National Concert Hall on Saturday 4 February. Back in 1997 Ruth performed with the same orchestra at the 2nd Festival of Youth Orchestras, when her Mother, Regina O’Leary was conductor. That baton has now been passed from mother to daughter. We arrived for a rehearsal, a quick packed lunch and then to enjoy the afternoon show followed by a quick meal in a nearby hotel, during which some parents ended up doing a spot of impromptu waitressing! We were given the honour of opening the show, playing Charles Woodhouse’s “Peasant Dance”, “Emperors Waltz” by Strauss, “Can You feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, and “Theme to Star Wars”. Something special lay in wait for the audience next as the strings section played the thrilling “Palladio for Strings” by Karl Jenkins and finally “The Valiant Knight” by Charles Woodhouse. The audience were on their feet immediately as the orchestra received a noisy and sustained standing ovation! How proud we were, of our school, our music teachers and most especially our children – the only primary school orchestra to perform in the evening show!
