Teens tune up for challenge of major orchestral event

She might be just 13 but Amy Dolan is already leader of the band — and not just any band — the County Cork School of Music VEC Senior Youth Orchestra, no less.

Along with the other 90 or so members of the orchestra, Amy has been chosen to play at the prestigious 18th Festival of Youth Orchestras at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, next weekend as part of the celebrations surrounding Ireland’s EU presidency.

“Oh my God, I’m so excited! It’s such a big stage!” says the young violinist. “We have about 91 students in the orchestra. Some of them are older than me and some are a bit younger.”