Generations of Laois talent take the stage feast of music ans song

A feast of local song and music is on the menu at the upcoming Music Generation Laois Music at the Malthouse event in Stradbally.

Featuring performances by Music Generation Laois bands, ensembles and choirs and guest artists including Age Serugo-Lugo, Michael McGoldrick, Catriona McKay, and Michael Rooney, the mini-festival takes place across two days, Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26. 

Music Generation Laois is delighted to collaborate with renowned British vocalist, clarinettist, composer and workshop leader, Aga Serugo-Lugo for Saturday's concert, which begins at 7 pm.

Aga sang for the nine-piece funk band ‘Gefunkt’ and extensively composed for the six-piece jazz fusion group ‘Elective’. Aga’s interests lie in narrative-based community music-making, focusing on "accessibility and inclusivity".

He'll also perform with the Music Generation Laois Community Choir to showcase new music and arrangements of existing music. Laois Community Choir is directed by Nuala Kelly and was established in 2024. The choir comprises over 100 members and is supported by LOETB’s Community Education programme.

Saturday night’s concert in Stradbally will also feature Aga collaboration with the Further Education Music Collective, which comprises of musicians studying in LOETB-accredited music programmes. The performance will feature newly composed contemporary songs and arrangements which have been created by the Further Education Music Collective and in collaboration with Aga Serugo-Lugo. 

The partnership initiative between LOETB Portlaoise Further Education and Training Centre and Music Generation Laois, was piloted in 2023 and has grown from strength to strength since its inception. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The Laois Community Choir and musicians with Nuala Kelly, Director of Laois Community Choir and guest musician Aga Serugo Lugo at rehearsal in Tower HIll for Music at the Malthouse where they will perform at Saturday’s concert. Photo: Alf Harvey

Sunday will see Music Generation Laois Trad Group, Trad Orchestra and Harp Ensemble will present a showcase featuring three masters of traditional music.

READ NEXT: More big acts for Electric Picnic in Stradbally

Getting underway at 3 pm, the organisers say this will be a unique opportunity for students from Music Generation Laois to work in creatively with three "outstanding" trad music innovators. World-renowned Manchester flautist Michael McGoldrick will present some of his own musical compositions in collaboration with the Music Generation Laois Trad orchestra, under the direction of Siobhan Buckley.

McGoldrick will also showcase collaborations with the Music Generation Laois Trad Group. This is the second occasion on which the students of the Music Generation Laois Trad Group, under the direction of Laois’ own Tommy Fitzharris and Denise Boyle from Co Donegal, have had the opportunity to perform with the Manchester man, following a performance at Music at The Malt House 2024.

READ NEXT: Movie magic relived at Laois talk on Portlaoise Electric Cinema

Music Generation Laois Harp Ensembles have been working in collaboration with the Scottish harper Catriona McKay and Monaghan's Michael Rooney. This music will be performed as part of Sunday’s afternoon concert in The Malthouse. 

Creative Ireland Laois and the Arts Council Festival Scheme are supporting Music at the Malthouse 2026.
Tickets for Music at the Malthouse are available at www.eventbrite.ie

READ NEXT: Laois students enjoy unforgettable art history trip to Florence

Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, and the Department of Education and Youth, and locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council.