Traditional musicians from St Mary's University College are heading to Music City USA, Nashville, to participate in the "Belfast in Nashville" St Patrick's Day festivities. This forms part of the events commemorating the 30-year Sister City partnership between Belfast and Nashville.
The trip aims to strengthen the cultural and educational ties between the two cities, with the St Mary's students set to bring a taste of traditional Irish music to the Tennessee capital on St Patrick's Day.
The invitation extended to the St Mary's students came from the Sister Cities of Nashville following a visit to the college. During their week-long stay, the students will perform at the "Belfast in Nashville" festival, join in the St Patrick's day parade, and gain insights into the Country music industry.
They will also visit St Bernard Academy in Nashville on St Patrick's Day to share their Irish culture with the elementary school pupils, as well as tour Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities. A visit to the Grand Ole Opry is also on the cards, where they will promote Belfast's UNESCO City of Music designation.
Belfast Lord Mayor Cllr Micky Murray emphasised the significance of the visit, stating: "I'd like to wish these very talented students a successful, rewarding and fun trip to our Sister City of Nashville. Belfast really values the Sister City relationship we have with Nashville and this year marks 30 years of the two cities working together.
"Our shared interests in music and heritage are what brought Belfast and Nashville together to forge this partnership, and today, it encompasses economic, tourism and, of course, educational collaborations. This visit will showcase the energetic talent within our city as we seek to strengthen the bond between Belfast as UNESCO City of Music and America's Music City – Nashville. St Mary's is renowned for the role that music plays in the college, and performing at "Belfast in Nashville"during their St. Partick's Day festivities provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase both the college and the city. These students are the perfect Belfast ambassadors."
Professor Peter Finn KSG, Principal of St Mary's University College Belfast, added: "As St Mary's in Belfast approaches its 125th year, I am delighted that the College will once again contribute to the Belfast-Nashville Sister City relationship. We congratulate both cities on the 30th anniversary of collaboration in music and heritage. We trust that our traditional Irish musicians, each one a student teacher, will enhance the St Patrick's Day festivities. Traditional music facilitates naisce or links in a very special way."
Sarah Lingo, Executive Director of Sister Cities of Nashville, expressed her delight at welcoming the students from St. Mary's University College, stating: "Sister Cities of Nashville is absolutely thrilled to welcome this group of students from St. Mary's University College as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the amazing bond between our cities!
"Nashville and Belfast share a deep love for music, and our partnership continues to flourish in so many exciting ways, from economic and tourism collaborations to educational exchanges. We are beyond excited to showcase this incredible musical talent from Belfast, especially as they grace our St. Patrick's Day festivities with their performances. This is a celebration of friendship, culture, and the vibrant spirit that connects us all!".
St Mary's student Rosie McElroy, who will be travelling to Nashville with the college's musical group, also welcomed the opportunity to share their passion for traditional Irish music, saying: "Our musical fusion of old and new, Irish and American, is at the heart of our performance. And whatbetter place to celebrate our heritage than in Music City, on the most Irish day of the year?"
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English (United States) ·