THE Music Network has announced details of the second year of its Musicwide concert scheme, writes Michael Dervan. The Network's chief executive, Niall Doyle, describes Musicwide, as "a cross border, market led concert scheme specifically for Irish musicians".

Through Musicwide, the Network is offering over 80 regional promoters access to 19 Irish performing groups or soloists, involving a total of 55 musicians.

The scheme is expected to generate approximately 100 concerts over the next two years of what is still described as a pilot scheme. All of the programmes offer works by Irish composers, 25 pieces in all, by 16 composers.

Musicwide, which features musicians from pianist Finghin Collins, saxophonist Kenneth Edge, to the Hibernia String Trio, the Belfast Wind Quintet and Khanda, is intended "to provide a platform of steadily growing and sustainable employment for Irish musicians". It runs in parallel with the Network's regular tours and is supported by the ESB, the Arts Council, the Arts Council Northern Ireland and the British Council.