Newry Musical Society Donates Waterford Festival International Awards To Newry And Mourne Museum

Newry Musical Society Donates Waterford Festival International Awards To Newry And Mourne Museum

On Monday 19 September, Newry and Mourne Museum were presented with the International Awards which were won by Newry Musical Society for their productions of ‘The Desert Song’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ in 1976 and 1979.

Newry Musical and Orchestral Society was founded in 1945 and their first production, ‘The Mikado’ was staged in Newry Town Hall in January 1946. The new Society quickly established itself on the local cultural scene in Newry but eventually began to showcase its work at the annual ‘Waterford Festival of Light Opera’. 

During the 1960s and early 1970s various awards were won at Waterford and this success culminated with the Society winning the International Award for ‘The Desert Song’ in 1976. In 1977, its production of ‘My Fair Lady’ was named runner-up at the Festival and in 1979, the Newry group again took the International Award with ‘Fiddler on the Roof’.

Many local people have been involved in Newry Musical and Orchestral Society over the years in various ways including performers on stage and in the orchestra, in production, stage management and administration.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “The members of Newry Musical and Orchestral Society are great ambassadors for the local area and we are delighted that their outstanding achievements will now have a place in the Museum Collection. On behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, I would like to thank them sincerely for donating these trophies to the Museum.”

Curator of Newry and Mourne Museum, Noreen Cunningham said, “The Museum has a very large collection of material reflecting the importance of the performing arts in the local area over the decades. These trophies recognise the national significance of the talents of local people and we are delighted that they have been donated to us.” 

For further information, contact the Museum Curator on 028 3031 3182 or Assistant Curator on 028 3031 3177.

Newry and Mourne Museum is open to the public seven days a week with admission free of charge. For opening hours, information on events and exhibitions, other services and bookings please phone 028 3031 3178 or visit www.bagenalscastle.com.