UCD Festival

Who knew we could fit not one but two orchestras in UCD Access and Lifelong Learning? 
Today’s UCD Festival was a wonderful opportunity to bring together so many of the students, stakeholders and communities we work with throughout the year.

UCD Access and Lifelong Learning invited two community orchestras to perform a ‘Lunchtime Concert’ in the Centre.

The St Agnes’ Youth Chamber Orchestra is based in a DEIS-designated school in Crumlin and the Offbeat Ensemble is an adult orchestra based in Dublin’s North Inner City/Phibsborough areas. This was an opportunity to reach out and invite those communities who may not normally visit the UCD campus. The ethos of the two orchestras echoes that of UCD Access and Lifelong Learning - learning is lifelong and learning should be inclusive. 60 orchestra members attended along with family members and friends. Our staff members offered information to attendees about the various pathways to come to UCD.

It was such a privilege to welcome so many people to the Centre for orchestral performances by the Offbeat Ensemble and St Agnes's Chamber Orchestra in addition to our Craft Cafe and Lifelong Learning lecture on Juno and the Paycock in The Trapdoor.

Thanks to The Loop, UCD Library, Dr David McKinney, the Offbeat Ensemble Orchestra and St Agnes’ Chamber Orchestra, as well as our amazing Access Leaders. As with everything we do, it’s a group effort but always worth it!

Find out more about the (opens in a new window)UCD Festival here.