Adult Division Orchestra

Adult Division Orchestra - Current Vacancies see below

From September 2026, the Adult Division Orchestra will move to a longer subscription format. Instead of booking term-by-term, registration will now cover both the Autumn and Spring terms together — an 8-month period running from September through to the end of May.

This includes a total of ca. 16 - 18 rehearsals and two concerts. As a result, separate Autumn and Spring term bookings will no longer be possible.

Adult Division Orchestra is an opportunity for adult musicians who simply love making music – no professional experience required! (see below in sections for minimum performing levels)

We believe music is better when it’s shared, and we welcome all adult players who are excited to be part of something joyful and collaborative.

Whether you last played years ago or you’ve kept it up, this is a place to dust off your instrument, dive into beautiful repertoire, and enjoy playing with others.

This orchestra is as much about the social side as it is about the music – expect plenty of laughs, encouragement, and some time for a cuppa and a chat with like-minded music lovers.

Come for the music, stay for the camaraderie. Let’s play!

Available Orchestra places for September 2026:

STRING SECTION: (min. required performance Grade 4+ or equivalent experience)

• Violin:                      no current vacancy  (total of 18)
• Viola:                       no current vacancy  (total of 5)
  
• Cello:                       currently 2 open positions (total of 10)
• Double Bass:           currently 1 open position (total of 2)
• Harp                         currently 1 open position (total of 1)

WIND SECTION:   (min. required performance Grade 6+ or equivalent experience)

• Flute:                          no current vacancy (total of 4) (one of the currently filled places will open up for January 2027)
  
• Clarinet:                     no current vacancy (total of 3)
• Oboe:                         no current vacancy (total of 2)
• Bassoon:                    currently 1 open position (total of 2) (one of the currently filled places will open up for January 2027)

BRASS SECTION: (min. required performance Grade 6+ or equivalent experience)

• French Horn:             currently 1 open position (total of 2)
• Trumpet:                    currently 2 open positions (total of 2)
• Trombone:                 currently 2 open positions (total of 2)
• Tuba:                          currently 1 open position for tuba or euph (total of 1)

PERCUSSION: (min. required performance Grade 6+ or equivalent experience)

• Percussion:                  currently 1 open position (total of 1)

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: (subject to changes)

The Academic Year 2026/27 rehearsal schedule may include the occasional Saturday rehearsal, and some Sectional rehearsals, due to venue availability restrictions.

• Sunday September 6th (Full orchestra)     10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday September 20th (Full orchestra)   10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday October 11th (Full orchestra)        10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday October 18th (Sectional TBA)        10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Organ Room)
• Sunday October 25th (Sectional TBA)        10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)  TBC
• Sunday November 1st (Full orchestra)      10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday November 29th (Full orchestra)    10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday December 6th (Full orchestra)      10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Saturday December 12th CONCERT           5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Whyte Recital Hall)  TBC

or

• Sunday December 13th (Full orchestra)    10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)  TBC
• Sunday December 13th CONCERT              2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Vernon Studio)   TBC

============= Christmas Break =============

• Sunday January 24th (Full orchestra)      10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday February 7th (Full orchestra)       10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday February 21st (Full orchestra)     10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday March 7th (Full orchestra)           10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday March 21st (Full orchestra)         10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday March 4th (Full orchestra)           10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday April 18th (Full orchestra)            10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday April 25th (Full orchestra)            10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday May 9th (Full orchestra)              10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• Sunday May 30th (Full orchestra)            10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Vernon Studio)
• + Sunday May 30th CONCERT                   2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Whyte Recital Hall)

Additional Benefits

Advanced level participants who register for the 8 month term will be given access to the RIAM Library (on the 4th floor). Please liaise with our librarian Laoise Doherty about getting your user ID.

• Improved Ensemble Skills – Develop confidence in playing as part of a group, including listening, blending, and following a conductor.

• Musical Growth – Strengthen your understanding of rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and musical expression through regular practice and performance.

• Instrumental Technique – Enhance your individual playing ability with structured rehearsal time and exposure to varied repertoire.

• Collaborative Confidence – Build teamwork and communication skills by creating music with others in a supportive, social environment.

• Performance Experience – Gain experience performing in front of an audience in a low-pressure, enjoyable setting that celebrates progress over perfection.

Participants must:

- Be no less than 18 years of age

- Be of the advised minimum performance level (per section)

- Bring their own instruments, (music stands will be available at RIAM)

Davide Forti

Davide Forti (b. 1993, Trieste, Italy) is an accomplished cellist and dedicated music educator currently based in Ireland. He began his studies at the Conservatorio G. Tartini in Trieste, earning his Master’s Degree in Cello Performance in 2017 with full marks. In 2019, he completed the prestigious Recital Artist Diploma (First Class Honours) at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) under the mentorship of William Butt.

Throughout his career, Davide has consistently pursued artistic growth, attending masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Thomas Carroll, Maja Bogdanović, Enrico Bronzi, Giovanni Gnocchi, and Enrico Dindo. He also deepened his chamber music experience at the International Chamber Music Academy in Duino, working with the Trio di Parma. 

His artistry has been recognised with several national and international prizes, including First Prizes in the Clyde Twelvetrees Cup and the Elsner Memorial Cup at Feis Ceoil (2021), Second Prizes in the Pro Cello International Competition and Senior Violoncello Competition at Feis Ceoil, the Fano Scholarship at Venice Music Master (2019), and Third Prize at the Lilian Caraian Competition (2013).

As a performer, Davide is active across multiple platforms: as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral cellist. He regularly collaborates with ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the Ulster Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Irish National Opera, and the Orchestra of the Irish National Youth Ballet. In 2024, he performed as second cello with the Northern Ireland Opera Orchestra.

A versatile chamber musician, he has formed the Sonas Duo with pianist Francesca De Nardi since 2016. The duo has performed widely in Ireland and Italy at festivals such as Kaleidoscope Night, Music for Wexford, and Cividale International Mastercourses. Their collaboration has been recognized with top prizes at the Feis Ceoil and IMKA International Music Competition. Their upcoming debut album, Reimagined Opera (September 2025), reinterprets operatic masterpieces through original arrangements for cello and piano. 

Equally passionate about teaching, Davide is a committed and innovative pedagogue. He currently teaches cello at the Adult Division of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he works extensively with adult learners in both individual and group settings, including cello  ensembles. In addition, he teaches for Music Generation Louth, where he leads three orchestral programmes for students aged 7–18. Since 2019, he has served as conductor and music director of the Senior Orchestra, later expanding his role to include the Junior Orchestra
and the First Strings programme. With these ensembles, Davide has performed in numerous prominent venues, including the National Concert Hall in Dublin, offering young musicians valuable performance experience. 

In August 2024, he led the Music Generation Louth Orchestra on a concert tour in Italy, an enriching musical and cultural experience that included collaborative performances with a local choir — fostering meaningful international connections through music. His teaching philosophy is rooted in student-centred development, focusing not only on technique but also on fostering creativity, independence, and a deep love of music. He has prepared numerous prize-winning students and has organised youth-focused musical outreach initiatives, including Corda Connections, a collaborative summer string camp with Music Generation Kerry and the Irish Youth Chamber Orchestra. Through his multi-faceted career, Davide Forti continues to combine performance excellence with an enduring commitment to education, collaboration, and musical innovation.

Performance samples:

Summer 2026 (Whyte Recital Hall)

AD Orchestra Summer Concert 2026 - Sample 1

AD Orchestra Summer Concert 2026 - Sample 2

December 2025 (Concert Vernon Studio)

AD Orchestra Winter Concert 2025 - Sample 1

AD Orchestra Winter Concert 2025 - Sample 2