Passengers arriving at Belfast Grand Central Station on Tuesday 22 September can expect something a little different, as the Ulster Orchestra takes to the station floor for a free live performance at 4pm.
The performance, part of ‘Sounds at Saltwater’, will see the Orchestra bring live music into the heart of the station in partnership with Translink, and will close this year’s ‘Summer at Saltwater’ events programme.
Sounds at Saltwater: Ulster Orchestra Live at Belfast Grand Central Station
With no tickets required, passengers, commuters and visitors can simply stop and listen to the Orchestra’s unique 20-minute performance.
The performance comes just days before the Ulster Orchestra opens its 60th anniversary season at the Ulster Hall, under new Chief Conductor Anna Handler, making the Belfast Grand Central appearance a chance for audiences to experience the Orchestra at the beginning of an important new chapter.
Gerard Carlin, Group Chief Executive, Translink said: “Belfast Grand Central Station is a gateway to the city, connecting people not only to where they need to go, but to the people, places and experiences that make Belfast what it is.
“Our partnership with the Ulster Orchestra is a great example of that. Bringing live orchestral music into the station gives people the opportunity to experience something unexpected as part of their everyday journey, while showcasing the role that Belfast Grand Central and Saltwater Square can play in wider cultural life of the city.
“We’re delighted to be supporting the Ulster Orchestra as it marks its 60th anniversary and to welcome its outstanding musicians to Grand Central for what we hope will be a memorable afternoon for customers, visitors and the wider Belfast community.”
Auveen Sands, Chief Executive Officer, Ulster Orchestra added: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Ulster Orchestra to Belfast Grand Central Station to celebrate the opening week of our 60th anniversary concert series and to introduce our new Chief Conductor, Anna Handler. Performing in a busy public space like this gives us the chance to connect with people who may not normally encounter an orchestra, and to share the experience of live music in a setting that is part of everyday life.
“Music has a remarkable ability to bring people together, to evoke memories and to make us feel something, and we hope this performance will give passengers and visitors the chance to pause, listen and enjoy a few unexpected minutes of live music.
“Our partnership with Translink is a great opportunity to reach new audiences, connect and celebrate the role that music and culture can play in bringing people and places together across Belfast.”
The Sounds at Saltwater performance follows a summer of activity across Saltwater Square, which has brought film, heritage, arts and community activity into the new public space beside Belfast Grand Central Station.
This event also supports the wider Ulster Orchestra 60th anniversary programme, giving audiences a chance to experience the Orchestra ahead of the new concert season.
Sounds at Saltwater: Ulster Orchestra Live at Belfast Grand Central Station takes place on Tuesday 22 September at 4pm. The event is free and no booking is required.
