Iryna strikes right chord with judges

FORT Hill College student Iryna Glyebova struck the right chord with the judges when she was placed second in the recent finals of the Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year Award, 2013.

Iryna, who is originally from the Ukraine, came to Northern Ireland when she was just 12 and she joined Fort Hill College without being able to speak a word of English.

Now in Year 13 at the Lisburn school, her musical abilities have gone from strength to strength and she is looking forward to a career in music, with hopes of continuing her musical education at the Royal School of Music in London.

Her violin teacher, Hayley Howe, recently entered Iryna into the Young Musician of the Year competition. Following her success in the heats, Iryna chose to play her favourite piece - Czardas by Monti - in the final, which was held in the Hardy Room at Queen’s University.

“It is a very showy piece,” explained Iryna. “It has a very fast tempo at the end and I think it shows off my abilities.”

Iryna was placed second in the prestigious competition. While she was disappointed not to win, she was delighted at how well she did. “I think I played better in the heats,” she explained. “I was really nervous in the final, I was shaking.”

As well as playing in the school orchestra, Iryna also leads the SEELB Youth Orchestra, and will be performing a solo by Mendelsohn at an upcoming concert in the civic centre. She also hopes to audition for the National Youth Orchestra next year.

Head of Music at Fort Hill College, Mrs Currie, said she was incredibly proud of her young protege.

“I am very proud of her achievements,” she said. “I am very proud of her work ethic when it comes to preparing for auditions and events.

“She is a great example to the younger pupils and everyone in the school is immensely proud of her,” concluded Mrs Currie.