The Triskel Arts Centre was
packed last night for a special “Concert for Communities” to showcase the value
of Community Employment (CE) schemes throughout the city. CE participants from the Cork Academy of Music
and Togher Music Project rocked the city centre venue with polished
performances of rock, jazz and pop standards combined with an impressive set of
original material. The audience were also treated to a stunning vocal recital
from the Cantabile Vocal Ensemble
Choir.
Among those attending on the night were Lord Mayor John Buttimer, his brother
Jerry Buttimer TD, former Lord Mayor Joe O’Callaghan, and a number of local
councillors including Chris O’Leary and Henry Cremin. SIPTU’s Trevor Quinn opened
proceedings with an impassioned call to the city’s politicians to recognise the
value of Community Employment. He also called on government parties to reverse
cuts to vital funding which were now placing the future of some projects in
doubt;
“The Community Sector has suffered disproportionate cuts to funding of 35%
and more already. These schemes make a
major difference to people’s lives by helping them out of unemployment and
setting them on a new career path out of poverty and into gainful employment.”
MC for the night Evelyn Grant of Lyric FM stressed the value that the Cork
Academy of Music places on further education and learning progression. The work
of CE staff and tutors was perhaps best showcased by the performance from the
Cork Academy’s Youth Initiative participants who wowed the audience with an
accomplished and diverse opening set despite only having begun to play music
just six months ago.
Reflecting on the progress of CE participants, many of whom have gone on to
achieve Degrees, Masters and even PhD’s, Cork Academy of Music Founder Bob Seward said “It
shows what can be achieved with just a small amount of investment in these
people, and the real value of Community Employment”
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