Front from left: Members of the OYOI Marie, Allison, Shaun, John, Paul and Lewis Smith. Back row from left: Avolon CARE Committee members Shane O’Donovan and Holly Prendergast, along with Head of RIAM Connect, Brendan Breslin.

Avolon today announced a new strategic partnership with the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) which will enable the Open Youth Orchestra of Ireland (OYOI) to have a permanent home in the €20 million redeveloped RIAM campus on Westland Row in Dublin. To celebrate the launch, members of the OYOI performed in Alpha, Avolon’s auditorium at their Dublin HQ this afternoon.

Through its CARE iniative Avolon’s five-year funding commitment will see the construction of ‘The Avolon Room’, a bespoke space dedicated to the OYOI for the rehearsal, improvisation and creation of music.

The all-island OYOI has over 20 members and is Ireland’s only disabled-led orchestra, as well as being one of the first in Europe. The OYOI will be managed and supported by the RIAM from its Dublin base. It is believed to be the first time that an ensemble of this nature will be the Ensemble in Residence to a national music conservatoire.

Commenting on its support for the permanent home for the OYOI at RIAM, Avolon CEO Domhnal Slattery said; “We are delighted to partner with the Royal Irish Academy of Music on this important initiative and proud to support the Youth Orchestra of Ireland as it realises a permanent home in Dublin. One of Avolon’s core values is bravery and we feel the OYOI epitomises that trait”.

Any musicians who may wish to join an ensemble in their own area can do so by contacting [email protected].