The former Head of Music at St Malachy’s Fr Kevin McMullan is to return to the school to play the piano alongside a host of talented musicians on Thursday night, many of whom he taught.
Fr McMullan taught music at St Malachy’s for thirty two years from 1963 to 1995 and oversaw a huge expansion of the Music Department. He started the College’s first orchestra and many students who started under his tutelage went on to pursue national and international careers in music.
It will be the first time he has played in the College in over twenty years.
It will be the school's first ever Alumni Recital when past pupils and teachers will return to St Malachy’s College to play together in the school’s famous College Hall. The event aims to raise funds to purchase new instruments and equipment for the school orchestra and to contribute to the construction of a new music department.
Some of St Malachy’s students have gone on to build successful careers in music as performers, conductors and teachers. Current school principal Paul McBride is a former Head of Music at the school and conducts Ireland’s longest-established youth orchestra, the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra. Other famous musical ex-pupils include violinist Michael D’Arcy, conductor Kevin Mallon
Speaking before the event, Paul McBride, Principal of St Malachy’s College said: “Music has played a central part in the life of St Malachy’s College for many decades and Fr Kevin McMullan played a critical part in establishing what has become a strong and vibrant tradition. As one of the many pupils Fr McMullan taught and inspired, I know the passion he has for music, and how it can help students in many other areas of their school life. The professional success of so many musicians from St Malachy’s demonstrates the success he had as a teacher. We are delighted that he and other former pupils will be joining us at the College’s first ever Alumni Recital which takes place on 22nd February.”
The evening will include well known classical and traditional Irish tunes played on violin, piano, cello, percussion, staring quartet and bassoon.
The concert takes place on Thursday 22nd February with tickets (£15 adult £5 student) available from the College Reception (02890 748285) or on the night.
