Bursary prize on offer for midlands musicians

    The chorus in the Portlaoise Pantomime Group's production of Little Red Riding Hood in The Dunamaise Arts Centre. Picture: Alf Harvey/HRPhoto.ie

    Applications are now being sought from young singers and musicians from the midlands who are pursuing a career in professional performance in the classical field for the 2017 Trench Award.

    In its fourth year, the Trench Award aims to assist a young singer or musician 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/music college or another accredited specialist music establishment undertaking classical music studies, either instrumental or vocal, in pursuit of a career in professional performance.

    In 2017, the Trench Award will form part of the inaugural Birr Festival of Music & Voice.

    Six finalists will be invited to perform a 15 minute programme at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Sunday, May 28, 2017 when the bursary will be awarded by a prestigious selection panel.

    Applicants must be from the midlands region and under the age of 27 on January 1, 2017.

    Application forms are available from www.birrtheatre.com or by request from TheTrenchAward@gmail.com