Piper Mark Redmond, conductor Emily Redmond and harpist Eilís Lavelle

YOUNG MUSICIANS from across County Wexford were awarded the Irish Association of Youth Orchestra’s (IAYO) Outstanding Achievement Award on a wonderful occasion at the National Concert Hall recently.

Under the baton of conductor Emily Redmond, the County Wexford Youth Orchestra performed at the venue as part of the Festival of Youth Orchestras.

They were joined for their final piece by guest soloists uilleann piper Mark Redmond and harpist Eilís Lavelle.

The prestigious award was presented to Ms. Redmond, on behalf of the orchestra, on the evening.

Commenting later, she said “we were over the moon to have won.”

Member and Transition Year student at Loreto Secondary School, Beth Powell, described playing in the National Concert Hall as having been “a huge honour for everyone in our orchestra.

“Rehearsals could be stressful at times but I speak on behalf of everyone in the County Wexford Youth Orchestra when I say that it was all worth it for such a brilliant and unforgettable day.

“There was nothing but complete joy and maybe a little bit of relief on everyone’s faces as we stood to the crowd’s roaring applause.

“It was a performance none of us will ever forget.”

Read more in the Wexford Echo.