15the December 2023 at Holy Cross Church In aid of the Northern Ireland’s Children’s Hospice On 15the December, The Flax Trust hosted a spectacular Christmas event at Holy Cross Church. Fr John Friel, Rector Holy Cross welcomed all. Featuring performances by The Flax Trust Ensemble, showcasing the talent in North Belfast; the City of Belfast […] Read more – ‘Christmas Concert’.
As Coivid-19 restrictions began to ease in the summer of 2021, we planned to host a summer production of Wizard of Oz on an outdoor stage truck for all the community to enjoy as part of the Ardoyne and Marrowbone Community Festival. This involved roughly 30 people from across North Belfast aged between 8-70yrs old. […] Read more – ‘Wizard of Oz’.
Flax Trust Arts presented their Online Christmas Concert with the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra on Wednesday 22nd December at 8.00 pm. The concert was recorded in different locations around the Belfast area, such as The Europa Hotel, Holy Cross Church, and Clonard Monastery. The viewers were thrilled with performances by the City of Belfast Youth […] Read more – ‘Online Christmas Concert with the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra on Wednesday 22nd December’.
The Flax Trust held Christmas by Candlelight at Holy Cross Church on Thursday 16th December, at 7.30pm. It was a wonderful event to celebrate Christmas which was hosted by Noel Thompson. The performances were by: Bethany Simpson & The Whirlwinds who entertained us with their version of “Sleigh Ride”. Soprano Megan Mooney singing “O Holy Night”, The […] Read more – ‘Christmas by Candlelight at Holy Cross Thursday 16th December at 7:30pm’.
Flax Trust Arts performing at the North Belfast Youth Choir concert live stream. At home art activity with the Flax Trust Arts group during the lockdown, April 2020 Flax Trust Christmas Kids Recording Project Performance of “There is a Santa Claus” from the Musical Elf. Molly Sherrard, Dylan Nugent Barnes, Luke Howarth, Grace Larkin, Holly […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Classics Reconciliation through Music’.
Flax Trust Classics Reconciliation through Music Flax Trust Music Vocal Awards 2020, The Harty Room, Queens University, Belfast. The Flax Trust Music Awards was established to create a platform for exceptionally talented young musicians on the Island of Ireland. The bursaries being awarded a total of £6,000 went towards musical development and education. The ‘heats’ […] Read more – ‘THE FLAX TRUST ARTS’.
Love Songs and Music from Stage and Screen, Holy Cross Church, Belfast. City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, CBSM Junior Strings, Megan Mooney and Flax Trust Arts. Hosted by James McGinn. The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, Conducted by Paul McBride. Lia Marie Kelly, Alto & Jacob McCollum, Guitar. Fergus McBride performing with CBYO. An […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Classics Reconciliation Through Music’.
Flax Trust’s Magic of Christmas streamed live from the Europa Hotel in aid of Belfast Homeless Services. Hosted by Noel Thompson. Megan Mooney, Helena Hendron, Caity Brown, Ethan Haddock & Paul Maguire performing “Hark the Herald” Noel Thompson BBC & Soprano Megan Mooney performing “Still, Still, Still”. Saxophonist Bethany Simpson performing “Silent Night”. City of Belfast […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Classics Reconciliation Through Music’.
Concert of Love Songs and Music from stage and screen took place on Friday 14th at Holy Cross Church, North Belfast. The evening featured the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, conductor Paul McBride; CBSM Junior Strings, conductor Dr Niall Catney; soprano Megan Mooney; Dr Niall McBride violin; Fergus McBride violin, Jilly Martin, oboe and Flax […] Read more – ‘Love Songs and Music February 14th 2020’.
The North Belfast Community Leadership Awards took place in Holy Cross Church North Belfast on Friday 24th January, with the Ulster Orchestra, conductor Steve Barnett, Manager Richard Wigley and the cast of Oklahoma, Rodgers and Hammerstein with soprano Megan Mooney. Master of Ceremonies was Gavin Boyd. Donations were in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. Read more – ‘The North Belfast Community Leadership Awards Friday 24th January 2020’.
The annual Inter-Community School Choir Gala Competition (FISCA) Belfast City Hall, December 5th 2019 brought together over 200 young people from primary and post-primary schools mainly from North Belfast – 9 choirs integrated from 18 schools. Claire McCollum was Master of Ceremonies, with Megan Mooney, Artistic Director and Bethany Simpson, Event Manager & Co-ordinator. Adjudicators […] Read more – ‘Inter-Community School Choir Gala Competition 2019 (FISCA)’.
Flax Trust presented £3,000 in bursaries to three young classical musicians at Queen’s University Belfast School of Arts, English and Languages on 26th June 2019. Jack Wilson, Organist Laoise Kavanagh, Clarinet Ryan Garnham, Baritone Flax Trust Classics Sr Mary Turley, Dr Peter Smyth, Paul McBride, Gavin Boyd, Bethany Simpson, Fr Myles Kavanagh, Megan Mooney, Trevor […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Music Bursaries at Queen’s University, Harty Room Belfast, June 26th, 2019’.
An evening of ‘Songs from the Shows’ took place on Friday 29th, March 2019 at 7:30 pm at Holy Cross, North Belfast in aid of starving children. Master of Ceremonies was James McGinn. Performing were City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, (CBYO) Conductor Paul McBride, Manager Robert Briscoe and Leader Sean Catney; City of Belfast School […] Read more – ‘Evening of Songs from the Shows March 29th, 2019’.
On Tuesday 20th August 2019 Flax Trust awarded two Bursaries of £1,000 each at Camerata-Ireland’s ‘Young Musicians of the Future’ Clandeboye Festival. The recipients of the bursaries and performance opportunities were Tom Myles, clarinet and Phoebe White, violin. Tom Myles. Clarinettist Tom Myles, from Ballygowan, was on of the Woodwind Category Finalists in the BBC […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Music Bursaries to Young Musicians of the Future / Camerata-Ireland August 20th, 2019’.
The CBYO values greatly the partnership built up in recent years with the Flax Trust. The Trust’s investment in the Orchestra has not only helped to enrich the musical lives of CBYO members but has also provided high quality platforms for primary and post primary children to sing and perform with a live orchestra. Flax […] Read more – ‘CBYO Flax Trust Conductor’s Bursary’.
Flax Trust Christmas Concert on 20th December at St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast The Concert was in aid of St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen which provides a number of services, including warm meals on weekends, advice, food & clothing hampers, and a safe space for people to connect with others. The Christmas concert featured City […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Christmas Concert’.
Inter- Community School Choir Gala Competition (FISCA) Belfast City Hall, December 6th 2018. The Annual Inter- Community School Choir Gala Competition (FISCA) brought together over 200 young people from primary and post primary schools mainly from North Belfast. Noel Thompson, BBC was Master of Ceremonies and Megan Mooney Artistic Director. Adjudicators were Richard Yarr, Blanaid […] Read more – ‘Inter-Community School Choir Gala Competition (FISCA)’.
20th November 2018 at Holy Cross, North Belfast. The Flax Trust Music Awards were established to create a platform for exceptionally talented young musicians on the Island of Ireland. The bursaries being awarded total £12,000 (including an Audience Vote Award) which will go towards musical development and education. The ‘heats’ for a place in the […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Music Awards Grand Final’.
26th October 2018 at Holy Cross, North Belfast, featuring City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, Conductor Paul McBride. CBSM Junior Wind Ensemble, Conductor Gareth Stitt, Leader Ella Anderson. Megan Mooney Soprano and Flax Vocal Ensemble Read more – ‘Fall into Autumn Concert’.
The Flax Trust Arts presented Lionel Bart’s Oliver! with opened this year’s Ardoyne and Marrowbone Community Festival. The production took place on the pitch of Holy Cross Boy’s Primary School in a Big Top Tent. The Sold Out show ran from Thursday 16th August until. Saturday 18th August. Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Arts presented Lionel Bart’s Oliver!’.
A cross community meditation with music took place on 27th March 2018 at Holy Cross, North Belfast. Cor-ordinated by Megan Mooney soprano. Reading’s by Fr Eugene McCarthy C.P. Holy Cross and Rev. Bill Shaw, Duncairn. The evening included: Helenna Howie, Mezzo Soprano, The Flax Vocal Ensemble, City of Belfast Youth String & Brass Ensemble and […] Read more – ‘Cross Community Meditation with Music at Holy Cross, North Belfast’.
The Flax Trust 40th Anniversary Dinner took place on Sunday 28th April 2018 at 7:00 pm at the Europa Hotel, Belfast. Welcome: Professor Kenneth O’Neill, Ulster University Invocation: Una McRoberts, Ardoyne/Shankill Health Partnership Remembrance: John Patterson, Flax Trust Guest Speaker: Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice Chancellor and President Ulster University Performance: Megan Mooney, Soprano, Richard Thomas, […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust 40th Anniversary Dinner, Europa Hotel, Belfast’.
The Flax Trust 40th Anniversary Concert took place on Sunday 22nd April 2018 at 4:30 pm at the Ulster Hall, Belfast. Proceeds from the concert were in aid of Concern Worldwide. Master of Ceremonies was Noel Thompson, BBC. The Concert featured, City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, Conductor Paul McBride, Megan Mooney soprano, Amy Gillen award […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust 40th Anniversary Concert, Ulster Hall, Belfast’.
The Flax Trust Concert featuring soprano Megan Mooney took place on Tuesday 19th December 2017 at 7:00 pm in Holy Cross Church, Belfast, in aid of Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. The Concert also featured City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, award winning saxophone soloist Robert Finnegan, Flax Vocal Ensemble and award winning FISCA choirs. Noel Thompson, […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Christmas Concert Tuesday 19th December 2017 in aid of the Children’s Hospice’.
The annual Flax Trust Inter-School Christmas Gala Competition (FISCA) took place at Belfast City Hall on Thursday 14th December 2017. 220 young people from 16 primary schools and post primary schools in North Belfast came together to create 8 cross community choirs. Master of Ceremonies was Noel Thompson BBC. Artistic Director Megan Mooney BMus (Hons.) […] Read more – ‘Inter-School Christmas Gala Competition (FISCA) in Belfast City Hall, December 14th, 2017’.
20th October 2017 at Holy Cross Church. Prizes Totalling £12,000 including Audience Vote Award. The ‘heats’ for a place in the Grand Final were held in the Harty Room, Queens University, Belfast. Judges throughout were Richard Yarr, Colin Stark, Ioana Petcu-Colan, Jenny Bourke. Master of Ceremonies was Richard Wigley, Manager Ulster Orchestra. Winner: Robert Finnegan (saxophone) […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Music Awards Grand Final’.
Tuesday 19th September 2017 at Holy Cross Church The North Belfast Community Leadership Awards and Concert was in aid of Concern Worldwide with Ulster Orchestra conducted by Tecwyn Evans, Megan Mooney soprano, Cavehill Community Choir, leader Donal McCriskin, Voices of FISCA and Flax Vocal Ensemble. AWARDS Most Inspiring Project Men’s Shed North Belfast presentation by James […] Read more – ‘The North Belfast Community Leadership Awards and Concert’.
The 18th Dan Rooney Cup was played at Ormeau Park, Belfast, on Sunday 27th August 2017. The event was won by Arthur Lundy. Runner-up was Bobby McFall and 3rd was Eddie McAteer. The Back Nine winner was Tom McCallan and the Front Nine was won by Bob McNeill. Presentations were made during lunch after the […] Read more – ‘The Dan Rooney Cup 2017’.
The 24th Rose Bowl Golf competition was held at Balmoral Golf Club, Belfast. This year’s competition was the tightest ever with only three points separating the first seven. Prizes were presented at the dinner celebration that evening. The proceeds were in aid of N.I. Children’s Hospice and Cancer Lifeline. Flax Trust Rosebowl kicks of the […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Rose Bowl 2017’.
The Flax Trust Music Awards took place in the Harty Room at Queen’s University on June 28th, 2017. Three finalists through to Grand Final. Recipients received bursaries of £2000 each with an opportunity to win a further £6,000 on October 20th 2017 at Holy Cross Church. Amy Gillen Amy is from Co. Donegal and has […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Music Awards 2017’.
Flax Trust present £2,000 in Bursaries to three young classical musicians at Queen’s University School of Arts, English and Languages on June 28th, 2017 Gerard Mullaly will be graduating from Queen’s University with a First Class Honours in Music. He took up the clarinet at the age of 8 and has progressed under the tutelage of […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Music Bursaries at Queen’s University 2017’.
Justine Gormley – Violin & Piano This 18 year old musician has been a member of the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra(CBYO) for the past 5 years and has been leader for the past season. Justine is very humble in approach and prepares meticulously for every rehearsal. Her calm and balanced manner encourages input and […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust CBYO Conductors Award 2017’.
The annual Flax Trust Inter-School Christmas Gala Competition (FISCA) took place at Belfast City Hall on Thursday 15th December 2016. Master of Ceremonies was Noel Thompson BBC. 280 young people from 18 primary and post primary schools in North Belfast came together to create 9 cross community choirs. Artistic Director Megan Mooney BMus (Hon Dip […] Read more – ‘Inter-School Christmas Gala Competition (FISCA) in Belfast City Hall, December 15th 2016’.
A gala concert with Megan Mooney, City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, conductor Paul McBride Belfast School of Music Junior Wind, Clarinettist Bethany Simpson, Niamh Bloomer Harp, winning choirs St Malachy’s College, Hazelwood Integrated College, Blackmountain Primary School, Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School took place on 21st October 2016 at 7:30 pm in Holy Cross North […] Read more – ‘Megan Mooney in concert with City of Belfast Youth Orchestra in aid of Refugee Children 21st October 2016.’.
Flax Trust Music Bursaries recipients at Camerata-Irelands Young Musicians of the Future at Clandeboye Festival 2016. Three young musicians received £6,000 in Flax Trust Bursaries at Camerata-Ireland’s Clandeboye Festival and a fourth student received the Flax Trust Award including performance opportunities. Clara Daly Donnellan is a 20 year old trombone player studying in Bern, […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Music Bursaries at Camerata 2016’.
Flax Trust presented £5000 in bursaries to two young classical musicians at Queen’s University School of the Arts. Daniel has recently concluded his studies at Queen’s University Belfast, where for the past three years he has studied cornet and trumpet under the tutelage of Paul Young (Principal Trumpet of Ulster Orchestra.) During his time at […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Music Bursaries at Queen’s University’.
A Spring Concert with the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra and School of Music Conductors Robert Briscoe and John Gillen took place in Holy Cross Church on Friday 29th April at 7:30 pm in aid of the refugees/Concern for Turkey and Jordan. Master of Ceremonies was Richard Yarr BBC. Soprano Megan Mooney was joined by […] Read more – ‘Spring Concert in Aid of Refugees’.
A Flax Trust Concert in Aid of the Refugees took place on Friday 29th January 7:30 pm at Holy Cross Church, Belfast. Master of Ceremonies was Noel Thompson BBC. The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, conducted by Paul Mc Bride, manager Robert Brisco, presented a programme of popular classics and music from stage and screen. […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Concert in Aid of the Refugees’.
A Flax Trust Christmas Concert in Aid of the Refugees took place on Tuesday 22nd December 7:30 pm at Holy Cross Church, Belfast. Master of Ceremonies was Noel Thompson BBC. The Concert featured Barry Douglas and Camerata-Ireland with St Malachy’s College, Hazelwood Integrated College, Dominican College Fortwilliam and Soprano Megan Mooney. Barry Douglas & Camerata-Ireland […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Classics’.
The annual Flax Trust Inter-school Christmas Gala Competition (FISCA) was held at Belfast City Hall on Thursday 3rd December. Master of Ceremonies was Noel Thompson BBC. 280 Young people from 18 primary and post primary schools in North Belfast came together to create 9 cross community choirs. Artistic Director Megan Mooney BMus (Hons); Dip Mus. […] Read more – ‘Inter-school Christmas Gala Competition (FISCA)’.
The Flax Trust presented The Children of Lir Award in addition to £6,000.00 in Bursaries to 3 young musicians at Camerata – Ireland’s Young Musicians of the Future concert at Clandeboye. Mairead Hickey from Cork presently studying Music (violin) at Kronberg Academy received The Flax Trust Children of Lir Award at Camerata – Ireland’s Young […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Music Bursaries at Camerata – Ireland Clandeboye Festival’.
Flax Trust presents £5,000 in bursaries to four young classical musicians at Queen’s University School of Creative Arts. August 5th 2015. Flax Trust Directors Sr Mary Turley and James Maginn present the overall winner William Curran with a bursary and The Flax Trust ‘Children of Lir’ award. The Bursary will assist William (Clarinet) at the […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Music Bursaries at Queen’s University’.
Special guests included Michael McAvoy, Brain Cahalane and Karen Packham representing the British / Irish Intergovernmental Joint Secretariat. The U.S. Consul General Greg Burton and his wife Nanna Lee. Sr Mary Turley welcomed guests and introduced speakers (No. 1) who gave an overview of some Flax Trust related activities. Gavin Boyd, Chief Executive Education Authority […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Annual Board Dinner, Europa Hotel’.
The Flax Trust Inter-Community School Choir Awards (FISCA) 4th December 2014 The Flax Trust Inter-Community School Choir Awards took place in Belfast City Hall on Thursday 4th December. 240 children from 18 primary and post primary schools in North Belfast came together to create 9 cross community choirs and performed a variety of choral classics […] Read more – ‘FISCA’.
The Flax Trust presented £5,000 in bursaries at the End of Year Showcase in Music – School of Creative Arts at Queen’s University Belfast in the Harty Room on Thursday 5th June. The performance, compositions and dissertations were some of the fruits from the hard work of the students who will be graduating. Megan Mooney, […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Presents £5,000 in Bursaries’.
Flax Trust presented £15,000 in Workshop Tuition Sponsorship to Young Musicians of the Future at Camerata Ireland’s Clandeboye Festival, August 2014 and £6,000 to three Young Musicans of the Future Concert on August 21st. Read more – ‘Flax Trust Classics Bursary Awards 2014’.
The Flax Trust Annual Trustees/Board Dinner and Friends took place on Friday 31st January at the Europa Hotel. Special guest included Lynden Hughes-Jennet and Pat Murphy representing the British/Irish Intergovernmental Joint Secretariat, Collette Fitz Gerald Head of the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland, US Consul General Greg Burton and Gabrielle Moseley Counsellor for Political […] Read more – ‘The Flax Trust Annual Trustees/Board Dinner’.
240 young people from schools in North Belfast came together in front of a packed audience in Belfast City Hall for a Christmas Gala Competition – Flax Trust Inter-community School Choir Awards (FISCA) event. Noel Thompson BBC was Master of Cermonies . In addition to £5000 in awards the Trust gave a grant of £1000 to each School competing for for the magnificant performances […] Read more – ‘Christmas Gala Competition’.
Flax Trust awarded three bursaries to Camerata Ireland at the Young Musicians of the Future Concert on 22nd August at Clandeboye Festival www.camerata-ireland.com Pictured with Barry Douglas, Rachel Goode soprano, Christopher Ellis cello, Leonie Bluett clarinet, Sr. Mary Turley and Lady Empy representing Flax Trust. Ten finalists pictured with Barry Douglas Read more – ‘Flax Trust Classics Bursary Awards 2013’.
The Flax Trust celebrated its 35th Anniversary with a Wine Reception followed by a Dinner held in the Piano Bar, Europa Hotel, Belfast. The event was attended by Board and Trustee Members together with other guests who have been associated with the Trust over the years. Read more – ‘Flax Trust 35th Anniversary Dinner’.
The School for Social Enterprises NI has at present 19 students who are completing an Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise at the University of Ulster. Induction took place on 17th April 2012 and Module 1 took place on 1st May and 15th May. SSEI, following the highly successful Best Practice visit in 2010 to Fordham […] Read more – ‘Social Enterprise Programme’.
Five finalists of the inaugural ‘Flax Trust Classics’ (classical music awards/bursaries £15,000 for all classical musicians – vocal & instrumental – born in N Ireland, wishing to continue their studies graduate/post graduate in the field of music) performed at a black tie concert at Queen’s University’s capacity crowded Great Hall on Friday 20th April. Tara […] Read more – ‘The Inaugural Flax Trust Classics’.
The Flax Trust Super Bowl Banquet took place on Friday, 4th February 2011 in the Europa Hotel. Guests of honour were Barry Douglas, OBE International Pianist and Conductor and Len O’Hagan, Chairman, Belfast Hrbour Commissioners. John Carson CBE welcomed guests who were intertained by City of Belfast School of Music Big Band. Paul Clark UTV […] Read more – ‘Flax Trust Super Bowl Banquet 2011’.
Flax Trust and the University of Ulster have announced an exciting new development with regard to the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland. Since its inception almost 200 students have achieved a range of qualifications including: the Advanced Diploma in Management Practice for third sector managers; the Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise; and the MSc […] Read more – ‘New development with the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland’.
The 21st Flax Trust Super Bowl Ball, one of the largest cross-community black tie events held in the City, took place on Friday, 5th February 2010, in the Europa Hotel Belfast. John Carson, CBE welcomed guests who were entertained on arrival by the City of Belfast School of Music Big Band and later at the […] Read more – ‘Super Bowl Ball 2010’.
