5 June 2000

MICHAEL MCGIMPSEY EMPHASISES THE VALUE OF THE ARTS IN SOCIETY

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Michael McGimpsey MLA, today highlighted the valuable contribution the Arts can make to the development of the individual.

Mr McGimpsey was speaking at St Mary's University College, Belfast, where he was attending a performance of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf by the Ulster Orchestra, part of a project initiated by Angela Feeney, Artistic Director of the West Belfast Classical Music Bursary.

Congratulating Ms Feeney, the Minister said: " I believe that the arts have a very important contribution to make to an individual's personal development. This project, which is now in its second year, has provided the opportunity for young people to enjoy the magical experience of a live performance of the Ulster Orchestra as well as becoming actively involved and learning about the piece of music beforehand."

Mr McGimpsey also praised the Ulster Orchestra for its work in the local community and for bringing the experience of live music to people of all ages and walks of life. He said: "The Orchestra has achieved tremendous success over the years and has established itself as a highly effective ambassador for Northern Ireland and, indeed, as one of Northern Ireland's most famous cultural exports."

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

The West Belfast Classical Music Bursary was inaugurated in 1994 as an initiative of opera singer Angela Feeney. It was initiated to help, financially, classical musicians between 17 and 28 years old and born in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in order to further their music careers The prize money is a total of around £9,000 from commercial sponsors.

The bursary also aims to promote classical music in the community and in primary schools, to offer school children the opportunity to experience classical music live, become actively involved and gain knowledge of the piece before the event. The Peter and the Wolf project is now in the second year of a three year programme. Over the two days of the event more than 1600 school children will become actively involved with the project. The project is also a long term plan to create future audiences.

A Teacher's Guide was produced by the Music Department of St Mary's University College which was distributed to all schools taking part. A CD Rom was also produced which provides a fun and interactive way of learning about the Ulster Orchestra and the story of Peter and the Wolf.

The Bursary was awarded the BP prize for Best Arts Group at the Arts and Business Northern Ireland Awards in March 1999.