Applications for The Trench Award 2024 are now open

Pictured is the winner of The Trench Award 2023, violinist Julieanne Forrest from County Laois. Photograph by Deema Feehan

placeholder image — Pictured is the winner of The Trench Award 2023, violinist Julieanne Forrest from County Laois. Photograph by Deema Feehan

BIRR Festival of Music has announced that applications are now open for The Trench Award 2024.

Applications are invited from young singers and musicians who are pursuing a career in professional performance in the classical field.

Now in its eleventh year, The Trench Award aims to assist a young singer or musician from the Midlands region to develop their professional career through further study at home or abroad.

The bursary will be awarded to a student attending, or having been offered a confirmed place at a University, Conservatoire, Young Artist Programme or other specialist music institute undertaking classical music studies, either instrumental or vocal, in pursuit of a career in professional performance.

Six finalists will be invited to attend Birr Festival of Music from Friday May 3rd to Monday May 6th 2024, and to perform a 15-minute programme at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr, on Sunday May 5th 2024 when The Trench Award and other bursaries will be awarded by an international selection panel.

Applicants must be from the general Midlands region and under 27 years on January 1st 2024 to be eligible to apply.

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 Audrey Chisholm Award (for instrument) and the Audience Prize.

The deadline for applications is Thursday February 22nd 2024, at 3pm.

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