Galway City Council and St. Patrick's Band Launch Party of The City's Boston Piano

Brilliant night's musical entertainment at the Piano Party in the Bandroom

Mayor, Terry O'Flaherty officially launched the City's Boston Piano in St. Patrick's Bandroom on Saturday 29th November. The cream of Galway's musicians contributed to a wonderful night of music and partying in the Heart of Galway venue. St. Patrick's Band set the tone for the evening with a wonderful recital of music from classical to jazz. The piano pieces of Mozart and Beethoven played by the band were particularly apt.

A number of speeches followed with the MC (band member Peter Rabbitt) welcoming the Mayor, City Councillors and officials, and a large number of musicians and friends to the Bandroom. In a wide-ranging speech he summarised by saying that the music business was an expensive business, particularly for the band (who recently bought new instruments and uniforms), and it was a great leap forward that in partnership with Galway City Council, the Boston Piano was acquired and housed in St. Patrick's Bandhall for the benefit of Galway's musicians.

The Mayor thanked the band for their initiative and contribution to music in Galway, particularly with the provision of the Bandroom. James Harrold, Arts Officer, echoed the Mayor's sentiments. The Mayor then cut the ribbon on the new piano and the concert continued.

Audrey Corbett, who was instrumental in selecting the piano, played on the Boston Grand and conducted members of the Galway Baroque Chamber Choir. Noreen McDonagh sang a solo. The West Winds Quintet followed with a Christmas theme to their music.

Members of the Galway Boys Choir of the Galway Choral Association sang very well under their Director Mark Keane, who also accompanied them on the new piano. The impressive Junior Black Magic Jazz Band followed under their Director John Dunne who also played the piano.

Sixteen year old David Forde from Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, a recent high achiever performer in the Royal Irish Music Academy High Achievement Concert in St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, displayed an impressive array of dexterity on the Boston Piano, particularly with his Chopin pieces. The availability of a Grand Piano is a boon to musicians such as David, a brilliant young talent.

Pat O'Sullivan (member of St. Patrick's Band) sang three songs accompanied by Audrey Corbett on the piano and the audience joined in.

The final performer was Tom Cullivan who played a number of his own compositions. Tom's own inimitable style and ending brought the evening's recitals to a close.

The very appreciative audience agreed with speakers that such a showcase of talent on the evening demonstrated the need for musical venues such as the Bandroom, and equipment like the Boston Grand Piano in Galway. The infrastructure for a School of Music must be put in place, as such a school is desperately needed in the West of Ireland. There is an array of musical talent leaving the area which should be encouraged, developed, nurtured and kept in the West.

All in all it was a great evening's entertainment and it is envisaged that such musical nights will continue at the Bandroom. As stated on the night, the provision of the Boston Piano by Galway City Council for musicians in the Bandroom is a good news story for Galway.