connect 2017 • 16 MUSIC GENERATION already this year, groups and ensembles from counties laois and carlow have represented music generation as ‘young ambassadors’ at a series of presti- gious conferences and events. these inspiring opportunities create an important platform for the young musicians to showcase their own work on a national stage, and to hone their skills and expertise as performers for the future. at a national and international level music generation continues to grow its reach and reputation – • Traditional Irish music groups from Laois and Carlow were hosted by President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins at two Community Garden Parties in Áras an Uachtaráin during the summer months, where they had the 400+ strong audience tapping their feet and clapping in time with their rousing trad sets • In June, Music Generation Carlow’s trad ensemble ‘Reelig’ were invited to celebrate the announcement of 31 local authority cre- ativity and culture plans by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny as part of Creative Ireland in Dublin Castle. The group raised the roof on a packed house of local and national government repre- sentatives, including Minister for Culture Heather Humphreys • Internationally-noted academics, practitioners and professionals felt the beat of 15 young Stampede Drummers from the village of Ballacolla, County Laois who gave an energizing Samba- inspired performance at the annual gathering of the Arts in Education Portal, hosted by the Arts Council of Ireland • 30 members of the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra re- ceived a standing ovation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife Madame Gregoire Trudeau and guests follow- ing an electric performance of their own composition, ‘Visions and Voices’, led by acclaimed musician Martin Tourish, at a state dinner hosted by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Dublin Castle in July Photo: Adam Scotti ‘We all really enjoyed this evening and it was a great opportunity that only Music Generation could provide. It was a great honour to perform in front of such a fantas- tic crowd at such a prestigious event...’ – David, musician (Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra)