In this week’s Good News Friday story, we delve into the captivating world of Le Foyer des Artistes, an awe-inspiring ensemble of musicians founded by a visionary conductor originally from Derry. Darren’s passion for music and his dedication to creating extraordinary experiences have brought together a diverse ensemble of musicians from across the globe. Their mission is to delight patrons and the community with exceptional performances, and their journey towards success is nothing short of inspiring.

‘Foyer means Fire’ he says. It’s ‘an ensemble of musicians, from across the world, united to create extraordinary experiences for our patrons and community.’ Never was a truer word spoken because on 7 December 2022, the birthdate of the Founder of the city, Le Foyer des Artistes burst on to the cultural scene with a concert, at their home in St Columb’s Hall, which received rave reviews and featured in local, national and international media.

This time last year, it was all still a vision in my head” said Darren. “I was interviewed in newspapers and on the BBC. I set out my plan for a series of 4 major concerts at St Columb’s Hall with some of the best artists in the world, a new Concerto Award and an international event for young singers, even though I still didn’t have a Board of Directors, a bank account or any serious funding. It’s great to have an international profile but I struggled locally because few people knew me in Derry and many even questioned if I were from the city.’

Fast-forward one year and the Derry man, originally from Altcar Park in Galliagh, has assembled a distinguished Board of Directors made up of some of the most experienced business leaders in the city including Helen Quigley (Inner City Trust) Brenda Morgan MBE (City of Derry Airport), Steven Scullion (Invest NI), Brian Doherty , Selina Horshi, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Chairman John Harkin, Founder and CEO of Alchemy Technology.

Le Foyer des Artistes has been made possible with investment from Alchemy Technology Services, Learning Pool, ChallengeCurve, Fleming Steel, Nuprint, Whitehorse Hotel, Art House, Loganair, Arts Council Northern Ireland, Arts and Business NI, and major headline funding support from Derry City and Strabane District Council.

And as if that weren’t enough, Darren secured a major deal with the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and YAMAHA Music Europe, the largest instrument maker in the world. They shipped their newest CFX grand piano from London for the performances in February and June, at considerable expense. ‘I’m so incredibly proud of the collaboration with YAMAHA. The commitment of the largest instrument maker in the world is a clear acknowledgement of faith in the vision of Le Foyer des Artistes as the sun in a cultural solar system at our home in St Columb’s Hall – a cultural jewel in the heart of an emerging European destination for tourism’

But all this is more than just music. It’s about a skills development hub for young people and a magnet for international tourism. From the outset, they have collaborated with students from the University of Ulster Cinematic Arts, Northwest Regional College Tourism and Hospitality, the Nerve Centre and Millennium Forum.

Le Foyer des Artistes already boasts a global audience of 15K followers across various social media channels, eagerly anticipating the sharing of thrilling news and upcoming collaborative ventures.

As the ensemble prepares for the launch of their highly anticipated second season, they extend a warm invitation to all businesses to become part of their inspiring story. With a cultural legacy taking root, Le Foyer des Artistes envisions a pivotal role in the city’s socio-economic development in the years ahead, and they believe that their story is one that resonates with all who embrace it.