Christmas Concert - Melisma
Melisma is an 8-voice vocal group based in Belfast and directed by Tanya Houghton. Melisma have performed extensively throughout Northern Ireland and featured on BBC's Songs of Praise.
Founded by Geoffrey Moore, Melisma have recently marked their 20th anniversary with a special celebration concert in St. Molua's Church in June 2024.
We look forward to welcoming the members of Melisma to our Christmas concert on Saturday 30th November in St. Comgall's Parish Centre, Brunswick Road, Bangor. Highlights will include John Rutter's "Shepherd's Pipe Carol", "Shepherds' Farewell" by Berlioz and audience favourites such as O Holy Night and Hallelujah Chorus.
Orchestral Masterpieces Concert - Andrew Douglas and Richard Douglas MBE (Flute)
As part of our Orchestral Masterpieces concert on Saturday 22nd March in RBAI, Andrew Douglas and Richard Douglas will be performing Domenico Cimarosa's "Concerto for two flutes in G major".
Andrew Douglas was born into a family of musicians and began studying the flute at the age of 6 under the guidance of Richard Douglas. During his time studying with Richard, Andrew was awarded first place in the prestigious Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year in 2012 and was named Principal Flute of the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra and Ulster Youth Orchestra.
Andrew is a graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he graduated with honours under the tutelage of Janet Burnley, Richard Blake, Helen Brew and Katherine Bryan.
As an orchestral flautist, Andrew is a regular player with the Ulster Orchestra and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra as Principal Flute/Second Flute and Principal Piccolo. Andrew has also performed alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Orchestra of Scottish Opera, Orchestra of Scottish Ballet, Camerata Ireland, Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
A keen soloist, Andrew has performed the ‘Mendelssohn Violin Concerto’ and ‘Carmen Fantasy’ with the Ulster Orchestra. He has recorded Poulenc’s Sonata for Flute and Piano and Harty’s In Ireland for Radio Ulster’s ‘Classical Connections. He has also performed live on BBC Radio Ulster as a soloist and alongside Northern Irish flute quintet ‘Quicksilver’. Andrew is a recipient of the Young Musicians Platform Award, the Flax Trust Arts Bursary and is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Richard Douglas MBE began playing flute at the age of 8, taught by his Great Uncle George and family friend Tommy Stephenson. Following in the footsteps of other family members, Richard joined Ballygowan Concert Flute Band in 1977, going on to have lessons at The City of Belfast School of Music with Roy Collins. In 1983 Richard moved to London to join the Band of The Coldstream Guards. After studies at the Household Division School of Music and The Royal Military School of Music, Richard joined the Band in 1985. For the next seven years, Richard participated in tours to Canada, USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Cyprus, France and Jersey.
Richard left the Band in 1992 to take up a position as Sales Manager with the London-based musical instrument company All Flutes Plus. During this time he played with several London-based orchestras and chamber ensembles, whilst also continuing his role as a Military Musician with the Band of The Royal Yeomanry. On returning to Northern Ireland in 1998, Richard continued to work in retail music but became more and more involved in teaching and performing. During this time Richard worked closely with the Music Charity “Flute Wise” giving classes and workshops across the UK and organising large groups of young flute players to perform with Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway and the Ulster Orchestra for concerts in The Waterfront Hall.
In 2014 Richard was appointed Bandmaster of The Band of The Royal Irish Regiment with whom he has travelled to Canada, France, Poland, USA and Germany, playing at many State and high profile events.
As a soloist, Richard has appeared on television, recorded for radio and performed concertos by Bach, Mozart, Mercadante and Vivaldi.
Richard was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year Honours List for services to Music.
Melisma is an 8-voice vocal group based in Belfast and directed by Tanya Houghton. Melisma have performed extensively throughout Northern Ireland and featured on BBC's Songs of Praise.
Founded by Geoffrey Moore, Melisma have recently marked their 20th anniversary with a special celebration concert in St. Molua's Church in June 2024.
We look forward to welcoming the members of Melisma to our Christmas concert on Saturday 30th November in St. Comgall's Parish Centre, Brunswick Road, Bangor. Highlights will include John Rutter's "Shepherd's Pipe Carol", "Shepherds' Farewell" by Berlioz and audience favourites such as O Holy Night and Hallelujah Chorus.
Orchestral Masterpieces Concert - Andrew Douglas and Richard Douglas MBE (Flute)
As part of our Orchestral Masterpieces concert on Saturday 22nd March in RBAI, Andrew Douglas and Richard Douglas will be performing Domenico Cimarosa's "Concerto for two flutes in G major".
Andrew Douglas was born into a family of musicians and began studying the flute at the age of 6 under the guidance of Richard Douglas. During his time studying with Richard, Andrew was awarded first place in the prestigious Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year in 2012 and was named Principal Flute of the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra and Ulster Youth Orchestra. Andrew is a graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he graduated with honours under the tutelage of Janet Burnley, Richard Blake, Helen Brew and Katherine Bryan.
As an orchestral flautist, Andrew is a regular player with the Ulster Orchestra and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra as Principal Flute/Second Flute and Principal Piccolo. Andrew has also performed alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Orchestra of Scottish Opera, Orchestra of Scottish Ballet, Camerata Ireland, Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
A keen soloist, Andrew has performed the ‘Mendelssohn Violin Concerto’ and ‘Carmen Fantasy’ with the Ulster Orchestra. He has recorded Poulenc’s Sonata for Flute and Piano and Harty’s In Ireland for Radio Ulster’s ‘Classical Connections. He has also performed live on BBC Radio Ulster as a soloist and alongside Northern Irish flute quintet ‘Quicksilver’. Andrew is a recipient of the Young Musicians Platform Award, the Flax Trust Arts Bursary and is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Richard Douglas MBE began playing flute at the age of 8, taught by his Great Uncle George and family friend Tommy Stephenson. Following in the footsteps of other family members, Richard joined Ballygowan Concert Flute Band in 1977, going on to have lessons at The City of Belfast School of Music with Roy Collins. In 1983 Richard moved to London to join the Band of The Coldstream Guards. After studies at the Household Division School of Music and The Royal Military School of Music, Richard joined the Band in 1985. For the next seven years, Richard participated in tours to Canada, USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Cyprus, France and Jersey. Richard left the Band in 1992 to take up a position as Sales Manager with the London-based musical instrument company All Flutes Plus. During this time he played with several London-based orchestras and chamber ensembles, whilst also continuing his role as a Military Musician with the Band of The Royal Yeomanry. On returning to Northern Ireland in 1998, Richard continued to work in retail music but became more and more involved in teaching and performing. During this time Richard worked closely with the Music Charity “Flute Wise” giving classes and workshops across the UK and organising large groups of young flute players to perform with Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway and the Ulster Orchestra for concerts in The Waterfront Hall.
In 2014 Richard was appointed Bandmaster of The Band of The Royal Irish Regiment with whom he has travelled to Canada, France, Poland, USA and Germany, playing at many State and high profile events.
As a soloist, Richard has appeared on television, recorded for radio and performed concertos by Bach, Mozart, Mercadante and Vivaldi.
Richard was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year Honours List for services to Music.
