News & Articles

Statement from Auveen Sands, Chief Executive Officer, Ulster Orchestra

Come and Play is an opportunity for aspiring amateur musicians of all ages to come and play with Northern Ireland’s only symphony orchestra for a day. Amateur musicians play side-by-side with the Ulster Orchestra musicians, gaining valuable support and encouragement in an afternoon of rehearsals. The day culminates in a showcase concert for family and friends. 

This week sees Ben Goldscheider making his debut with Ulster Orchestra in two venues: the Market Place Theatre, Armagh, and Belfast’s Ulster Hall, performing two concerti. Ahead of his performances, the artist kindly agreed to answer a few questions we had for him. 

Auveen Sands will become Chief Executive of the Ulster Orchestra at the end of October 2022, taking over from Richard Wigley, who has been Managing Director of the Orchestra since February 2016. Ahead of the handover, Richard and Auveen sat down to reflect on the past few years and what comes next.

“We’re giving our public the once-in-a-lifetime experience to become performers themselves.”

The 2022/23 Season is a musical menagerie for the senses. The Ulster Orchestra invites you to Immerse Yourself this Season, as we celebrate our artists, composers and conductors.  

The Ulster Orchestra has announced that its new Chief Executive is Auveen Sands.

The Ulster Orchestra is delighted to announce that Daniele Rustioni has committed to a further two years working together!

Join the Ulster Orchestra Players and presenter, Jessie Grimes on a transport-themed musical adventure!

On Friday 10 June 2022, the Ulster Orchestra will present an interactive and engaging online concert for Key Stage Two pupils, streamed LIVE to primary schools across Northern Ireland.  

The Ulster Orchestra is looking forward to welcoming eight up and coming young conductors for a three day Summer Conducting Masterclass with Honorary Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen.

For a fifth successive year, applications are invited to join our Professional Experience Scheme: run in partnership with Ulster Youth Orchestra, this is a programme of coaching and mentoring from Ulster Orchestra members where young orchestral musicians join the Orchestra for three programmes in the 2022/23 season.  

Ulster Orchestra marks International Women’s Day with the release of three exclusive performances of music by Elizabeth Maconchy, Louise Farrenc and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel.  

Our LCE team worked on a fantastic project with pupils at St Moninna’s Primary School and their teacher, creating a symphony written by the pupils themselves!

Our Crescendo schools were the Orchestra’s very first live audience in 2021!

Released in time for World Wellbeing Week, the Ulster Orchestra presents an exciting new series of yoga sessions

The Ulster Orchestra’s concerts for Primary and Post-Primary Schools have gone digital for the first time and have been a resounding success!

The Ulster Orchestra and the Creative Learning team at the Lyric Theatre are delighted to launch a brand new partnership with a set of videos celebrating Spring.

The powerful anthem, product of a partnership between the Ulster Orchestra, Women’s Aid ABCLN, Northern Ireland Opera, Ruth McGinley and Duke Special, is now available for purchase.

A new update on Orchestra activities in February and March

An exciting new album from the Ulster Orchestra and songwriters working together through the Your Song Now project

An important update on Orchestra activities in Jan-Feb 2021

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We’re taking part in a host of online and broadcast activity to celebrate the BBC Last Night of the Proms!