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Irish Independent
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Two young musicians awarded bursary in memory of true stalwart of the Wexford stage
The bursary was established in 2023, a year following Betty's sad passing. The award was an apt way to honour Betty's memory given her long history in the musical societies of Wexford. Betty was extremely well-known for her work with the likes of Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) and Wexford Festival Opera, as well as volunteering experience stretching back to 1968 with the Wexford Festival Opera. Betty served as chairperson for Music for Wexford from 2007 until her passing in 2022. The bursary in her memory will go on to help classical guitarist Dean Glynn and Irish harpist Mollie Carroll, two exceptionally talented young artists from County Wexford. Dean Glynn began studying classical guitar at the age of 6 at the County Wexford School of Music under David Creevy. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, studying under Peter Katona. Dean's accolades include winning the Bach Guitar Prize at Feis Ceoil 2024, and being a finalist and prize-winner in the inaugural Maeve Broderick Prize for Strings, where he received awards for both Most Original Programme and Best Audience Engagement. He has also performed at ChamberFest Dublin and on the main stage of the National Opera House, and serves on the Music for Wexford Youth Committee. Mollie Carroll has played the Irish harp since the age of eight. Music has always been a central part of her life, and she uses the harp as a way to explore both tradition and innovation. While her heart lies in traditional Irish music, she loves fusing styles, experimenting with pop, rock, and classical genres to shape her sound. Mollie performs with the Wexford Harp Ensemble and is a member of CCÉ Gorey/Ballygarrett. The bursary audition panel consisted of Beth McNinch (Viola), Aisling Ennis (Harp), Caitriona Frost (Percussion), and Eamon Sweeney (Guitar). Speaking on the award, artistic director Beth McNinch said: "Both young musicians showed outstanding musical talent and connection with the audience in their auditions, and the panel felt that together they would provide a really interesting concert to close out our Summer Season." Music for Wexford believes it is vital to offer young musicians paid performance opportunities, which can be difficult to find outside of school or college. To address this, the organisation has dedicated its July programming to supporting emerging artists, with lunchtime concerts on July 2, 9, and 16 at 1 p.m. in St Iberius Church, featuring musicians from the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Cork School of Music. ADVERTISEMENT These concerts promise a vibrant mix of wind, brass, piano, voice, and strings. In addition, all bursary applicants are invited to 'take over' Music for Wexford's Culture Night programming each year, curating and performing their own concerts. This initiative provides a unique and valuable learning experience for the next generation of performers. As part of their award, Dean and Mollie will perform a lunchtime concert on Wednesday, July 23 at 1 p.m. in St Iberius Church, Wexford, closing out Music for Wexford's summer season. Audiences can look forward to a refreshing blend of classical, traditional Irish, and contemporary arrangements. Tickets can be bought on the official Music for Wexford website.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Galway soprano wins two singing awards at national Feis Ceoil
Aimee Banks, from Moycullen in Co Galway, picked up the Percy Whitehead Cup and Thomas Moore Cup on June 11 after coming first in both vocal competitions. A graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Ms Banks has been competing in the Feis Ceoil since 2014. The young singer has won a full scholarship for her postgraduate studies in the Royal Academy of Music in London, which begins in September. Ms Banks could still claim more silverware this weekend as she prepares to compete in several further singing competitions. The Feis Ceoil competitions are being held in Purcell House and The Chapel on the All Hallows campus in Drumcondra, Dublin this month. Feis Ceoil has recently completed a re-structuring process ahead of a new development phase for the organisation. Organisers hope the re-structuring will build on its position as Ireland's largest classical music competition. A selection of the competitors from this year's Feis Ceoil will be showcased at a special Gala Concert in the National Concert Hall on Monday, June 23 at 7.30pm.
RTÉ News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
RTÉ to livestream Dublin International Piano Competition finals
Audiences around the world can tune in live as 25 of the globe's most gifted young pianists descend on Dublin this week for the prestigious 13th Dublin International Piano Competition (DIPC). The competition's climactic final on 16th May will be livestreamed via RTÉ Culture and broadcast on RTÉ lyric fm, with earlier rounds also accessible on the DIPC YouTube channel. Hailed as one of the most respected platforms for emerging classical talent, this year's DIPC has drawn participants from 12 countries. The quarter-final rounds will take place from 9th to 11th May, followed by semi-finals on 13th and 14th May, both hosted at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. The grand final at the National Concert Hall will see three finalists perform full piano concertos with the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Jonas Alber. Open to the public, the competition offers a rare opportunity for Irish audiences to hear the next generation of piano virtuosos. Finghin Collins, Artistic Director and jury chair, welcomed the competitors with enthusiasm. "It's a great pleasure to welcome this outstanding group of young pianists to Dublin," he said. "These talented artists represent the very best of the next generation. I would encourage everyone with a love of great music to join us for what will be some hugely enjoyable performances." This year's competition stands out for its inclusion of contemporary works by four Irish composers: David Coonan, Roger Doyle, Ailís Ní Ríain, and Judith Ring. Commissioned by RTÉ lyric fm, these pieces must be performed by all contestants, offering a spotlight on Ireland's vibrant contemporary music scene. The semi-finalists will also perform chamber music with the acclaimed ConTempo Quartet. The DIPC's international jury includes renowned pianists Michel Béroff (France), Piers Lane (Australia/UK), Noriko Ogawa (Japan), Dénes Várjon (Hungary), and Ireland's Hugh Tinney, alongside Katie McGuinness, Chief Artistic Officer at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Winners will share in a prize fund worth €35,000, with the top prize of €20,000 sponsored by KPMG. The first prize also includes a Carnegie Hall recital debut and a series of international engagements. Second and third prizes of €10,000 and €5,000 and several special category awards will also be presented. Watch the 13th Dublin International Piano Competition (DIPC) final on 16th May from 7pm via RTÉ Culture and listen via RTÉ lyric fm, with earlier rounds also accessible on the DIPC YouTube channel.
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Talented Carlow soprano wins prestigious emerging talent award
The €6,000 bursary was presented after a special performance at Kildare Village, held to celebrate one month to go until the 2025 Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF), which takes place from May 27 to June 2 in Co Waterford. Eva is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) in Dublin, studying under Kathleen Tynan and Dearbhla Collins. Renowned for her versatile talent, Eva has already performed at prestigious venues across Ireland and has earned multiple accolades for her outstanding vocal ability. In 2024, Eva achieved significant success, including multiple awards at the Feis Ceoil, the Canto al Serchio Prize at the Birr Festival of Music, and the John McCormack Bursary. In January 2025, she performed the role of Rosina in Haydn's La vera costanza, and in February she participated in the Winterlied Academie Programme in Leipzig. Eva will perform as part of the 2025 Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, and will also act as a festival ambassador alongside fellow emerging artists. The bursary will support her continued studies and professional development, helping to advance her blossoming career as one of Ireland's most promising young sopranos. 'I'm thrilled to be the first recipient of this incredible new bursary,' said Eva. 'Thanks to the generous donor and to Kildare Village for funding the Brid Phelan Emerging Talent award, and to the ongoing support of Dieter Kaegi and all at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, I now have the opportunity to travel for auditions and professional training, attend summer schools and masterclasses, and perform at this year's festival – not once, but three times. "I'm also deeply grateful to my family, friends, and my tutors at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for all of their support,' she continued. 'This opportunity is a turning point in my development and will have a lasting impact on my future career.' This new award, to be presented annually from 2025 to 2029, forms part of BVOF's ongoing commitment to nurturing exceptional Irish operatic talent. It honours the legacy of Bríd Phelan and recognises promising young artists on the cusp of exciting careers. Winners are selected by Dieter Kaegi, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. The inaugural award presentation was marked by a performance from Eva Kavanagh at Kildare Village, together with Conor Prendeville, and Ella Nagy.
