A number of former students of the RMAO have studied on the BA (Hons) Applied Music programme and performed with the DkIT Trad Ensemble and some of the graduates have returned to teach with the orchestra. Members of the orchestra have regularly featured as prize winners in international competitions and have ranked as High Achievers with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Under the direction of Gerry Kelly, who has previously provided tuition at DkIT, they have established their reputation as Ireland’s premiere accordion orchestra.

The DkIT Ceol Oirghialla Traditional Music Ensemble have also developed an international profile in recent years with invitations leading to performances in North and South America and across Europe at festivals including the Winter Festival in Norway and Speyfest in Scotland. They also represented Ireland at the International Society for Music Education Conferences in Brazil and Scotland, bringing the musical culture of the Oriel region to audiences far and wide, in addition to their performances here at home.

The study of traditional music is fundamental to DkIT’s academic mission and is an integral component of both our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes where students engage with the cultural, social and historical study of traditional musics while also developing their performance skills. The Ensemble enriches the cultural life of the Institute and the region, performing at a number of events throughout the year and were prominent during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda in 2018, playing for the official opening and welcoming President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.

Tickets for the Grand Variety Concert are available through the Royal Meath Accordion Orchestra Facebook page for €10, with a special family rate (2 adults and 2 children) of €35.