Anne Reck awarded Wexford Festival Opera’s 2024 ‘Volunteer of the Year’ 

Wexford Festival Opera proudly announces Anne Reck, long term volunteer and wardrobe mistress as the 2024 Ecclesiastical/Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer of the Year.

Anne was honoured during the first Public Dress Rehearsal of this year’s Festival. Davy was chosen through a public vote by fellow volunteers, board and staff of the Festival. Anne joined the Festival as a volunteer in the wardrobe department back in the days of the Theatre Royal. She recalls her first Festival in 1977 when her job was making cummerbunds for members of that year's male chorus. Over the last 47 years Anne has worked since mid-September each year until the Festival is over sewing costumes and making alterations to the costumes for each of the Festival’s main stage and smaller operas. With a company of over 200 members this is no small task. Anne has been wardrobe mistress for the last 16 years and manages a department of people, she now works alongside her daughter Sinead who she introduced to the wardrobe department. The announcement was made by Artistic Director, Rosetta Cucchi and Scott Hayes, Head of Relationship Management at Ecclesiastical Ireland from the stage of The National Opera House on the night of the first public dress rehearsal, Le Maschere, attended by an audience of Festival volunteers. Rosetta Cucchi, Artistic Director of Wexford Festival Opera said "Anne has played a vital role in the wardrobe department for many years. Starting in the days of the Theatre Royal as a volunteer and now as wardrobe mistress. This department works tirelessly behind the scenes and are a key part to making everything come together on stage to look effortlessly wonderful for our audiences. Anne has been working in this department since I came to Wexford, and I am truly delighted to be awarding her Volunteer of the Year this year for the work she has done and continues to do each year" Ecclesiastical Insurance, a specialist insurer of the Arts, has supported Wexford Festival Opera’s volunteer programme for 11 years. Recognising and telling the stories of over 400 current and past volunteers who work in all areas of the Festival, from front of house to driving to costume and backstage. Launch of the ‘Festival Memory Bank’ In recognition of the volunteers’ lasting impact on the Festival, Wexford Festival Opera and Ecclesiastical launched the ‘Festival Memory Bank’ project last year to document stories of volunteers who have contributed to the festival’s 73-year history. Interviews from the 2023 project are already available and can be viewed he    re, with new clips scheduled for release during the 2024 Festival and throughout the coming year. These stories highlight the importance of volunteerism and encourage future generations of volunteers to get involved in activities and events which help grow and nurture their communities. These interviews, featuring long-time and generational volunteers and staff such as Rosetta Cucchi, current Artistic Director of WFO; Tony Hynes, past volunteer and local High Street shopkeeper for many years; Paul Cleary, long-time volunteer and current chairman; Ger Lawlor, past chairman and teacher of the voluntary children's chorus; Nuala Byrne, long-time volunteer known for welcoming Festival Friends at the Friend’s desk each year; Kevin Lewis who started his journey with the Festival at just 11 years old as part of an opera; Nora Cosgrave and Nicky Kehoe who currently work with the as Festival Director of Artistic Administration and Company Manager, but started as volunteers; and Vivian and Monica Crofton who document Vivian’s many years working backstage in the Theatre Royal. Audiences this year are invited to share their own memories through the ‘Festival Memory Bank’ interviews, or by sharing stories and content via archive@wexfordopera.com Speaking on behalf of Ecclesiastical, Scott Hayes, Head of Relationship Managment at Ecclesiastical Ireland said: “I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s Volunteer of the Year, Anne Reck. Long time volunteers like Anne are the backbone of the Wexford Festival Opera, and their passion and commitment make each year’s event a resounding success. For 11 years, Ecclesiastical has been proud to support this incredible festival, which brings world-class performances to Ireland and to Wexford, showcasing the best of the arts on an international stage. Over the past decade, our partnership has had a significant impact, enabling the Festival to expand its volunteer programme, engage new generations, and ensure the continued success of this internationally recognised event. Volunteers contribute immeasurably not only to the arts but to the fabric of Irish society as a whole, and we are honoured to continue recognising their vital role in shaping our communities. As we look to the future, it’s crucial that we encourage more young people to step forward and get involved. Volunteering not only supports the Festival but also offers invaluable experience, fulfilment, and the chance to be part of something truly special. If you are interested in making a difference and joining the volunteer community, reach out today!” Ecclesiastical is Ireland’s leading specialist insurance company serving the arts, education, faith, heritage and charity sectors. It provides insurance and services for those who care about their communities and the environment in which they live and work. As a company that donates all available profits to charity, Ecclesiastical’s long-standing association with the Volunteer of the Year Award is a perfect reflection of its commitment to supporting and nurturing the communities it serves.