Applications for Trench Award 2025 at Birr Festival of Music now open

APPLICATIONS are invited from emerging singers and instrumentalists who are pursuing a career in professional performance in classical music.

Now in its 12th year, The Trench Award aims to assist an emerging artist from the Midlands region to develop their professional career through further study at home or abroad.

Applicants must be from the general Midlands region in Ireland.

While there is no upper age limit this year, applicants should be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in Music Performance, participating in a Young Artist Programme, or less than two years of completing their studies. As the purpose and priorities of the award is to help artists develop their craft, applicants should not be undertaking a significant level of professional work and should be very clearly identifiable as ‘emerging’ artists.

Speaking about the announcement, Artistic Director of Birr Festival of Music said: “Birr Festival of Music is delighted to open applications for the 2025 Trench Award, which is a much-loved highlight of our annual Festival programme. This year, we have decided to abolish the upper age limit for The Trench Award, to ensure that emerging artists are supported based on their talent and potential, rather than their age. We recognise that many individuals begin their musical journeys at different stages, and that artistic growth doesn't follow a single timeline. Our focus is on merit, creativity, and passion, allowing a broader range of artists to benefit from the financial support offered by the Trench Award bursaries. Full details of the criteria for entry are included in the Trench Award Application Form.”

Six finalists will be invited to perform a 15-minute programme at The Trench Award Gala Concert at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly on Sunday May 5^th 2024 when The Trench Award and other bursaries will be awarded by an international selection panel.

The Trench Award is €5,000 and further bursaries may also be awarded including the Birr Lions Club Bursary, the Canto al Serchio Prize (for voice), The Connolly Award for Voice (new in 2025) and the Audience Prize.

Birr Festival of Music Director is Maureen de Forge: “We are delighted to welcome The Connolly Award for Voice to the range of bursaries in The Trench Award. This new award will be presented for five years to a singer in The Trench Award, starting in 2025. Presented by Brian Connolly and family in memory of Mary and Eamonn Connolly who shared a lifelong love of music and singing and who contributed to music in Birr through their membership of St Brendan's Church Choir, Birr Choral Society and Birr Stage Guild over many years. Birr Festival of Music greatly appreciates the presentation of this award by the Connolly family - Brian, Noelle and Trish.”

The deadline for applications is Thursday February 20th 2025 at 3pm.

For more information including how to apply, visit www.birrfestivalofmusic.com .