Wexford Sinfonia performed ‘Heroes of the Helen Blake’ at the National Concert Hall recently.

DUBLIN AUDIENCES had the chance to experience a uniquely Wexford composition of music recently when Wexford Sinfonia performed ‘Heroes of the Helen Blake’ at the National Concert Hall recently.

Dublin was, according to Liam Bates, composer and conductor, ‘beyond words’.

There was a sustained pause and absolute silence at the end of the final movement, and then the audience rose into a standing ovation. There were lots of tears and full hearts in the final two movements, especially as the names and photos of all of the lost Fethard rescuers were shown on video.

The Norwegian ambassador, Roald Naess, attended the concert and was so impressed that he has suggested that Liam Bates and Sinfonia and the newly formed National Choir of Men look into performing ‘Heroes’ in Oslo, something which the group is now actively exploring.