Launch of 3000 student music bursary

Sixth year Meath students are tuning up to win a €3,000 prize to develop their musical talent as the Fr Frank Maher Classical Music Awards, sponsored by Top Security is now looking for entries for 2014. The Awards are Ireland’s largest classical music competition for secondary schools and closing date for entries is Thurs 16th October 2014 with full details on www.topsecurity.ie.

The awards will showcase outstanding young musical talent in Ireland and are open to sixth year students of strings, woodwind, brass and piano. The top prize of a €3,000 bursary will be used by the winner to attend a recognised place of tuition, a course of study in Ireland or abroad or on a purchase necessary for the development of their talent. The finalists will each receive a €250 bursary.

John Wilson, principal conductor of the RTE Concert Orchestra, took part in a photocall to launch this year’s Awards. He is one of the most exciting conductors and arrangers on the scene today. He has established an enviable reputation as a conductor, arranger and scholar, and is recognised internationally as an expert in the fields of light music, jazz and music for screen. He arranged and conducted the music for Kevin Spacey’s film ‘Beyond the Sea’ and orchestrated and conducted several of Paul McCartney’s compositions with the London Symphony Orchestra.

John said, “I am always delighted to encourage fledgling musical talent and competitions like this can often be an excellent way to develop and sharpen their skills. Moreover, particularly in these straitened times, the prize money will provide some talented young person with the additional financial means to fulfil their musical ambitions and that is something to be welcomed. I wish all the prospective entrants the very best of luck!”

Emmet O’Rafferty, chairman of Top Security, established the Awards 13 years ago in memory of the late priest who was a music teacher at his old school. Emmet said, “The Awards have attracted the most incredible young talent from all over Ireland and past winners have used their bursary to attend many of the world’s most prominent music colleges, which include Kronberg Academy in Germany, the Meadows School of the Arts in Dallas, Texas, and the Royal Academy of Music in London to name but a few.”

“I am delighted that these internationally recognised music institutions, with world famous musicians as teachers, have always shown their appreciation of the Awards by encouraging the winners to return as guest performers,“ Emmet continued.

Six finalists will be selected by the independent adjudication panel to perform at the competition night on Thursday 13 November 2014 at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin.

For more details, go to www.topsecurity.ie

ENDS