Classical notes

There's little doubt that it's a happy New Year for two of Ireland's premier institutions in the world of classical music and opera, thanks to a government budget that hit the high notes for the National Concert Hall and Wexford Festival Opera.

There's little doubt that it's a happy New Year for two of Ireland's premier institutions in the world of classical music and opera, thanks to a government budget that hit the high notes for the National Concert Hall and Wexford Festival Opera.

Brian Cowen may have delivered like a pre-Christmas Santa but Minister for Arts John O'Donoghue will gain the kudos. O'Donoghue can, quite erroneously, appear to be misplaced in the world of ...