Young musicians in tune for Night at the Movies

Some of the country’s best young classical musicians will be teaming up with one of the kings of the West End to take a 20-year journey through the music of the silver screen.

This weekend, the Cork Youth Orchestra will get behind singer Michael Ball for the second time after a rapturously received concert together 18 months ago.

Together they will perform the hits from Hollywood soundtracks including the Lion King, Sunset Boulevard and Titanic.

The huge local ensemble, which auditions for members once a year, provides Ball with an opportunity to perform with a full orchestra that has been rehearsing for the two-night run since last year.

Conductor Tomás McCarthy said the dedication and talent of the young players stuck with Ball after his last event in City Hall and he was keen to work with the orchestra again.

He said there is already a group of Ball’s fans who are travelling from England to attend the Night at the Movies event in City Hall. He is keen that locals also get to witness one of the most entertaining stage singers play with a group of musicians whose quality belies their age.

The parent-run not for profit group has previously attracted big names like Colm Wilkinson to the city.

Tickets for the two-night run start at €40 and are on sale at Pro Musica and from Ticketmaster.