Councillor appointed Orchestra Director

Councillor Redpath, who is also Deputy Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh, took up his appointment in December.

“I was delighted to be nominated by my party colleagues to take up this role on behalf of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA),” said Mr Redpath.

“I was very pleased to attend my first official function at our Burns Night celebrations organised in collaboration with the Ulster Scots Agency.

“The Ulster Orchestra occupies a very special place in the arts community in Northern Ireland.

“As our national orchestra I believe it is vital that the people of Northern Ireland come together to support the work of the Ulster Orchestra.

“The Orchestra is a very challenging situation in an environment of public spending cuts.

“We are reliant on a number of public sector partners who make our work possible.

“The arts in Northern Ireland need to be protected and enhanced as they contribute valuably to our society.

“Our Burns Night celebrations illustrate this well. Nearly 1,000 people gathered in the Ulster Hall to enjoy our national orchestra supported by the very best talent from Scotland and local pipe bands and dance groups.

“I was incredibly impressed by the event and think it is absolutely vital that the people of Northern Ireland have access to this standard of cultural experience.”​

Established in 1966, with just 37 players, the Ulster Orchestra has a rich and colourful history.

The orchestra’s next concert will be in the Ulster Hall in Belfast on Sunday February 14.

This will be a concert of everyone’s favourite romantic works, featuring some of the most passionate and beautiful themes that the great composers have ever written.

To find out more about the Ulster Orchestra and upcoming concerts, log onto www.ulsterorchestra.com.