Omega 3 Orchestra Return to Garter Lane

Live music can be difficult to describe when it refuses categories.
The Omega 3 Orchestra is a perfect example.

The Waterford group returns to Garter Lane this Saturday, September 19th.
Francie White and Gerry Madden joined Wayne to discuss the concert,
their unusual musical mix, and what audiences can expect.

Despite the name, Omega 3 isn’t a conventional orchestra.
The eight-piece group features several talented multi-instrumentalists. Their music moves freely between jazz, swing, folk, traditional music and classical compositions.

That variety creates some wonderfully unexpected moments. Paganini and Mozart can sit alongside energetic instrumentals, while familiar songs bring another dimension to the performance. The group has around ninety pieces in its repertoire, so creating the right setlist takes careful thought.

Gerry explains how they balance fast and slower numbers,
while also mixing songs with instrumental performances.
The result keeps the evening varied, entertaining and unpredictable.

The musicians bring an impressive range of instruments to Garter Lane.
Mandolin, guitar, bass, piano and accordion all feature.
Saxophone, clarinet, percussion and harmonica add further colour.

The atmosphere matters just as much as the music.
Their concerts often feel like a relaxed fireside session.
The musicians enjoy playing together, and audiences respond naturally.

That connection can turn familiar songs into shared experiences.
Beatles and Elvis classics regularly encourage audiences to sing along.
The orchestra doesn’t simply perform for its audience.
They invite audiences to become part of the show.

Local songwriter Shane Barry will also feature on the night.
He opens the concert with his own material,
before potentially joining the orchestra later in the evening.

The Omega 3 Orchestra performs at Garter Lane at 8pm
on Saturday, September 19th. Tickets cost €20,
with limited availability remaining.

For a night of live music in Waterford,
Omega 3 offers something genuinely different.
Expect great musicianship, familiar favourites and plenty of surprises.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.