Traditional musicians who are studying to be teachers at St Mary’s University College visited Music City USA took part in the “Belfast in Nashville” St Patrick’s Day celebrations as part of events to mark the 30-year Sister City partnership between the two cities.  The purpose of the visit was to promote the strong cultural and educational links between Nashville and Belfast with the St Mary’s students bringing the sounds of traditional Irish music to the Tennessee capital over the St Patrick’s Day period. The students Róise Ó Murchú, Peter McKenna, Jane Walls, Ciara Wilson, and Rosie McElroy were from Derry city, Clogher, Moneyglass, Newtownbulter and Ballinderry.

The invitation to the students came from the Sister Cities of Nashville after a visit to the College. During the week-long trip, the students performed at the “Belfast in Nashville” festival. The student teachers also visited St Bernard Academy in Nashville on St Patrick’s day to share with the elementary school pupils their Irish culture. The St Bernard Academy pupils got to hear traditional Irish music as well as learn some words in Irish. Visits to Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities allowed the students to experience College life at a U.S. institution with an engaging student session at Blair School of Music.

The students also had the opportunity to meet with the Nashville Mayor O’Connell and play for the Nashville Metropolitan councillors in their role of promoting Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music designation.

Belfast Lord Mayor Cllr Micky Murray congratulated the students on the importance of the visit, “Belfast really values the Sister City relationship we have with Nashville and this year marks 30 years of the two cities working together. Our shared interests in music and heritage are what brought Belfast and Nashville together to forge this partnership and today, it encompasses economic, tourism and of course educational, collaborations. This visit highlighted the energetic talent within our city as we seek to strengthen the bond between Belfast as UNESCO City of Music and America’s Music City – Nashville. St Mary’s is renowned for the role that music plays in the college and performing at “Belfast in Nashville” during their St Partick’s Day festivities provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase both the college and the city. These students are the perfect Belfast ambassadors.”

Professor Peter Finn KSG, Principal St Mary’s University College Belfast commented, “As St Mary’s in Belfast approaches the 125^th year of its establishment, I am delighted that the College once again contributed to the Belfast-Nashville Sister City relationship.  We congratulate both cities on the 30^th anniversary of collaboration in music and heritage.”          

Sarah Lingo, Executive Director, Sister Cities of Nashville added, “Sister Cities of Nashville was absolutely thrilled to welcome students from St. Mary’s University College as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the amazing bond between our cities! The students allowed us to celebration our friendship, culture, and the vibrant spirit that connects us all!”