Dual celebrations at Navan Silver Band concert in church

St Mary’s Church combine with Navan Silver Band to celebrates the bi-centenary of the rebuilding of the church, while Navan Silver Band celebrates its 75th anniversary, with a concert in St Mary’s Church of Ireland on Friday 21st October at 8pm.
The band was established in 1941 by the late Fr Kenny and Martin Ryan, and have had many successes at national band competitions, quartets and solo competitions throughout its proud history.
Concerts with both the RTESO and RTECO orchestras in the National Concert Hall were a regular feature under the late Victor Malirsh. Earlier successes were also regular occasions under Jack Regan as musical director.
Recently the band totally refurbished its own band hall at Newbridge, Athlumney and has created a really terrific facility for practice and social activity.
As the band enters a new era of making music and providing the very best musical training for many young members it continues to have the respect of the Royal Irish Academy, The Army Bands, Garda Band and National Orchestras with many of its former members making very successful careers.
This year after a long absence from participating, young members Ciara Blake, Eoin and Anna Kane received honours in their grade Royal Irish Academy exams. A further eight juniors will undertake exams in December.
The band has recently appointed Stephen Murray as musical director. Stephen as principal cornet with the Drogheda Brass Band has enjoyed acclaim as both soloist and conductor with bands in Northern Ireland and Scotland. He brings a wealth of brass band ethos to Navan and we welcome him to his first official engagement.
Appearing with Navan Silver Band is Julianne Forrest, Violin, and Megan Coppinger, Soprano.
Julianne is just 14 years old and is already established as an accomplished soloist and is leader of the Irish Youth Orchestra.
Megan has appeared in a number of musicals including West Side Story and Les Miserables, and has a very promising future.
Tickets are €10, and are available from Tierney’s Newsagent: St Mary’s Parish Bookshop: Hugh St Leger -086 820 8776: Bob Dier – 046 902 1898: Francis Duffy 087 922 2303: Margaret Gorman – 086 235 7716