Pictured at the launch of the Wexford for Music’s ‘Concert Series for 2016’ in Greenacres were Mary Gallagher, Betty O’Brien, Mairead Hurley and Tom Molloy. Pic: Jim Campbell

AFTER THE shock of being told that no Arts Council funding would be made available to them, chamber music organisation Music for Wexford rejoiced recently when a sum of €6,500 was granted to them by Wexford Co. Council.

The announcement came shortly before the launch of the new programme took place at Greenacres’ Gallery space, an event which was attended by about 90 people who greatly enjoyed the recital by John Molloy and Mairead Hurley.

Pieces performed included works from: Handel, Caldera, Scarletti, Finzi, Tosti, Bellini, Rossini, and Gilbert and Sullivan. John Molloy also sang ‘Love’s Old Sweet Song’ by James Lynam Molloy, a fellow Offaly man.

The programme for the year is as follows:

Sunday, March 13 at 3:30 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: RTE Contempo Quartet.

Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: Hugh Tinney, piano.

Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: Sharon Carty (soprano), Lance Coburn (piano) and Beth McNinch (viola).

Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m. in Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House: Musici Ireland Sextet.

Wednesday, July 6 at 1:05 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: Recital of young Irish singers and musicians.

Wednesday, July 13 at 1:05 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: Adam McDonagh, piano.

Wednesday, July 20 at 1:05 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: Billy O’Brien, piano.

Wednesday, July 27 at 1:05 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: Jane Hackett (violin) and Teodor Radu (piano).

Sunday, September 18 at 3:30 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: Trio Rodin.

Sunday, November 20 at 3:30 p.m. in St. Iberius Church: Aoife Burke (cello) and Dearbhla Brosnan (piano).