2018 marks the 40th anniversary of The Snowman. Published in 1978, The Snowman, created and illustrated by Raymond Briggs has become one of the world’s most popular children’s books selling in excess of 8.5 million copies worldwide and being translated into over 15 languages. This well-loved book was adapted for screen by producer John Coates, leading to the Oscar nominated animation with iconic score which first aired in 1982 and has been broadcast on a global scale including Asia, Europe and North America.
2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the Cork Youth Orchestra. There have been so many amazing milestones in the orchestras history. Founded in 1958 the Cork Youth Orchestra was the first Youth Orchestra to be established in Ireland. With over 120 members the CYO is Ireland’s largest youth orchestra. The annual Snowman matinee concerts with the Cork Youth Orchestra features unique music/art collaborations with the live drawings of animation artist, Seán O’Brien. We will be joined onstage by the Performance Academy Youth Choir. The narrator is Evelyn Grant and the orchestra is conducted by Tomás McCarthy.
Recent snapshot of the Orchestra’s concerts and soloists:
"The Snowman" - Sir James Galway - Altan - Colm Wilkinson - Michael Ball - Mike Sterling
Sofia Escobar - Hayley Westenra - Linzi Hateley - Michael McCarthy - The Celtic Tenors
Peter Corry - Les Neish - Seo Linn - Mary Hegarty - Joe Corbett - Majella Cullagh
Cara O’Sullivan, Flaithrí Neff
The Orchestra has represented Ireland four times at the FOG Festival of Youth orchestras in Montecatini, Perugia, Florence, Lucca, Arrezo and San Gemignano, Italy. CYO have also performed in Wales, Scotland and the Czech Republic.
