A FEAST OF MUSIC
THE COUNTY Wexford Festival of Youth Orchestras delivered in abundance at the National Opera House on Sunday.
Nine youth orchestras from all over the county came together for the occasion, a celebration of music and exuberance and a catch-all for the talent on our doorsteps.
County Wexford School of Music Principal and Festival Coordinator David Creevy said it was amazing to watch the young performers come to terms with their parts, in a true celebration of all their hard work and commitment.
This year’s guest conductor was Gearoid Grant, who has worked with both RTÉ orchestras, the Ulster Orchestra and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and who conducted an impressive finale, combining the talents of more than 200 young musicians.
The program for The Wexford Festival of Youth Orchestras, funded by Wexford County Council Arts Office and managed by County Wexford School of Music, was eclectic, featuring an Abba Medley, and more ambitious pieces; 007, Tequila and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The festival provided a rare opportunity to instrumentalists as young as eight years of age to perform in the immense acoustic space of The National Opera House.
It was compered by South East Radio’s Alan Corcoran and participating orchestras included Loch Garman Youth Band, Rosslare NS Youth Orchestra, Enniscorthy Vocational School Orchestra, St Senan’s NS Enniscorthy, Kilrane NS, FCJ Bunclody, North Wexford Youth Orchestra, County Wexford Youth Orchestra and Dynamix Youth Orchestra.