Current and former members of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, along with supporters, are to stage a protest in Dublin this afternoon to highlight their opposition to the recent decision to merge its two orchestras.
The protest (at 2 pm) at the top of Grafton Street will include a performance by string and wind musicians. It may also include a protest at a second site at the bottom of the street.
According to one of the organisers, Jessica Grimes, many individuals associated with the orchestra are enraged at last month's decision by its board.
This will see the amalgamation of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland (ages 12-18) and National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ireland (ages 18-24) next year.
"The first we heard of it was when it was put on the website," Ms Grimes told The Irish Times. "Emotionally we're attached to this orchestra. It's given us some of the best years of our lives."
She said the high financial cost of participation, and inadequate funding, was a key factor for many students, with others opting to study abroad.
"It's just a retrograde step. Instead of pushing to improve the orchestra, they're axing it," she said.
She added that the protesters want to see the decision reversed, and more funding provided for music in Ireland.
However, speaking at yesterday's Handel recital in Dublin's Temple Bar quarter, NYOI board member Gerard Kelly said much of the comment to date was an "emotional reaction by former members".
Mr Kelly, dressed in a T-shirt and handing out postcards calling for TDs to support the implementation of a national music policy for Ireland, said the board would revisit the decision "if the demand for that comes back".
He said the root of the problem was the lack of a coherent policy for music in Ireland. "But I fully respect the right to protest. I'm absolutely thrilled to see young people for once getting involved in a political campaign."