The Trench Award
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 purpose of The Trench Award, which includes a number of bursaries, is to assist emerging singers and musicians from the Midlands region to develop their professional careers through further study at a University/Music College/accredited music establishment, in Ireland or abroad, undertaking classical music studies in pursuit of a career in professional performance.
The Trench Award 2025
Applications Open
Six finalists will be invited to attend Birr Festival of Music from Friday 2 May - Monday 5 May 2025, and to perform a 15-minute programme at The Trench Award Gala Concert at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly on Sunday 4 May 2025 when The Trench Award and other bursaries will be awarded by an international selection panel.
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In previous years, Fergus Sheil, David Brophy, Katherine Hunka, Sandra Oman, Bruno Caproni and Julian Evans have all been adjudicators.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be from the general Midlands region in Ireland.
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While there is no upper age limit, 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.
IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday 20 February 2025, 3pm
Application Deadline
Monday 10 March 2025
Applicants will be notified
Friday 2 - Monday 5 May 2025
Birr Festival of Music
Sunday 4 May 2025
The Trench Award Gala Concert
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 Awards.
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Niall Kinsella
Artistic Director, Birr Festival of Music
HOW TO APPLY
Your application to The Trench Award 2025 should include:
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A completed Application Form
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A high-resolution headshot
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Your MP4 video recordings (Video quality doesn’t have to be professional, use what you have available, e.g your phone)
Important
The Trench Award Application Form contains important application guidelines. Please download and read carefully before beginning your submission.
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Submitting your application
Please email all items required to thetrenchaward@gmail.com by Thursday 20 February 2025, 3pm. Late applications will not be considered.
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THE TRENCH AWARD
APPLICATION FORM
For application queries
Please contact Maureen de Forge 087 283 6675 or thetrenchaward@gmail.com
THE AWARDS
THE TRENCH AWARD
The Trench Award is our top bursary, named in honour of Julia & Patrick Trench.
Winners
2024 Jayden Lamcellari | Cello
2023 Julieanne Forrest | Violin
2022 Martina Rosaria O'Connell | Flute
2021 Aoibhin Keogh Daly | Cello
2020 Ben Gannon | Oboe
2019 Aidan Chan | Piano
2018 Philip Keegan | Tenor
2017 Richard Thomas | Violin
2016 Sarah Brady | Soprano
2015 Carolyn Holt | Mezzo Soprano
2014 Heather Fogarty | Mezzo Soprano
BIRR LIONS CLUB BURSARY
This award is named in recognition of Birr Lions Club's ongoing support of Birr Festival of Music. They have generously supported numerous community, education and cultural organisations in Birr since establishment in 1974.
Winners
2024 Erinn Lennon | Trumpet
2023 Deirdre Higgins | Soprano
2022 Aimee Banks | Soprano
2021 Maria Matthews | Soprano
2020 Jessica Hackett | Soprano
2019 Leah Redmond | Soprano
2018 Ben Gannon | Oboe
2017 Kevin Neville | Baritone
2016 Rachel Goode | Soprano
THE CONNOLLY AWARD FOR VOICE
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.​​​
CANTO AL SERCHIO AWARD
Awarded to a singer in the Trench Award, this is a residency at the Summer Opera Academy in Tuscany of renowned baritone Bruno Caproni and pianist Julian Evans.
The recipient joins a small group of international singers for vocal coaching, Italian lessons and performance opportunities, visiting Puccini's birthplace in nearby Lucca and generally immersing themselves in Italian culture.
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Winners
2024 Eva Kavanagh | Soprano
2024 Laura Ahearne | Soprano
2023 Caroline Behan | Soprano
2023 Anna-Helena McLachlan | Mezzo Soprano
2022 Niamh St John | Soprano
2021 David Kennedy | Tenor
2020 Sarah Luttrell | Mezzo Soprano
2019 Dylan Rooney | Baritone
2018 Philip Keegan | Tenor
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MUSICAL FUTURES
A bursary awarded to a Midlands student entering full-time music studies in the classical field.
Winners
2024 Lucia Murphy | Violin
2022 Catherine Cotter | Cello
2020 Aoibhin Keogh Daly | Cello
2019 David Kennedy | Tenor
2018 Dylan Rooney | Baritone
2017 Mollie Wrafter | Violin
PREVIOUS AWARDS
THE AUDREY CHISHOLM AWARD
In memory of the late Audrey Chisholm, concert pianist and hugely popular teacher for many years at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin. Audrey grew up on Oxmantown Mall, Birr. Her father, William, was head forrester at Birr Castle, her mother, Ciss, taught piano and gave Audrey her first lesson.
This was wwarded to an instrumentalist and funded from Audrey's estate by her brother Danvers and curated by Linda O'Shea Farren from 2020-2024.
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Winners
2024 Johanna Dietz | Piano
2023 Adam Buttimer | Tuba
2022 JJ McNamara | Piano
2021 David Vesey | Piano
2020 Peter Regan | Piano
ABOUT JULIA & PATRICK TRENCH
The late Julia & Patrick Trench were noted for their musical evenings at Sopwell Hall, Ballingarry in North Tipperary. Patrick played flute, harp and organ, Julia played piano and organ. Music was the bonding glue in Patrick’s marriage with Julia who, even in wartime, travelled weekly to London to enjoy the opera season. Julia Trench, who died in 2007, designated that the residue of her estate be used to create a Trust Fund to support educational, cultural, religious and community projects.
Thus, the JVM Trench Trust was established and has since been supporting appropriate projects, mainly in the Midlands of Ireland. Julia Trench was one of the many generous benefactors involved in the establishment of Birr Theatre & Arts Centre in the mid-1990s.