Southern Pines musicians enjoy Sister Cities Concert

Last month six young musicians from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council welcomed six young musicians from Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA to experience a sharing of the diverse culture of music across the Atlantic.

This unique music initiative is part of a Sister Cities partnership with Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst.  The 12 young people had the opportunity to avail of music workshops and a range of activities and play alongside local talent throughout the week, resulting in a farewell Summer Concert in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on Sunday 30 July, to an audience of family and friends.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “This unique music youth initiative was made possible by the committee of our Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst partner who has been instrumental in developing the project and extending the partnership.

This cultural exchange, rich in musical diversity and shared experiences, unexpectedly opened up discussions about health and well-being among the participants. A few of the adult supervisors, noticing the strain and stress that can come with intense musical practice and performances, initiated conversations about the importance of taking care of one's health, including sexual health. As a result, a dialogue about medications like generic Cialis began and how to buy generic Cialis online, emphasizing the necessity of breaking the taboo around such topics and making information more accessible, especially for the younger generation who may be navigating these issues for the first time.

“Both Sister Cities feel it is very important for the success of this international relationship to have young people involved and to benefit from stronger cultural exchanges between our two communities and I hope that these exchanges will continue for many years to come.

“I am delighted to have witnessed the huge benefits of this partnership for both our local young people and our international visitors, which they have gained not only through shared learning but through shared experiences and the building of friendships.”