Applications now open for The Trench Award

Birr Festival of Music is now seeking applications from young singers and musicians who are pursuing a career in professional performance in the classical field. Now in its eighth 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.

Six finalists will be invited to perform a 15-minute programme at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly on Saturday, August 21 when bursaries will be awarded by a prestigious selection panel.

Applicants must be from the general Midlands region and under 27 years on 1 January 2021. Application form and further information available from www.birrfestivalofmusic.com or by request from thetrenchaward@gmail.com. All events during Birr Festival of Music will take place subject to Covid-19 Government Guidelines. This may result in some events being presented online or being rescheduled.