Irish Heritage announces Bursaries for 2021/22 academic year

Details of the bursaries to be awarded by Irish Heritage this academic year have been announced by the charity.

There are four bursaries, the music bursary for performance, one for vocal studies, one for composition and a new bursary for string instruments with a combined value, taking everything into consideration, of just under £20,000. There is also an accompanist’s award.

Briefing documents and nomination forms have been circulated to the nine leading music colleges and conservatoires across Britain with the request that they bring them to the attention of any first and second generation Irish students that qualify.

There are three stages in this year’s adjudication process:

• Candidates must be nominated by the college or conservatoire, they cannot nominate themselves. The relevant part of the nomination form must be completed by the college who can nominate a maximum of two candidates.
• Nominated candidates will first be assessed on the quality of their application by an adjudication panel.
• Those shortlisted will be invited to take part in the Irish Heritage Auditions Day at the Wigmore Hall, London on 10th November.

The closing date for applications is: 22nd October.

Announcing the availability of the bursaries, Patrick Lennon, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Irish Heritage, said, “Thanks to the success of our fundraising efforts and to the generosity of individual donors and organisations we are pleased to announce an enhanced portfolio of bursaries for the 2021/22 academic year. The new Homan Potterton Bursary for String Instruments recognises the strong Irish tradition in that area. We hope that the bursaries will attract interest and applications from students who need support as they pursue their next level of education.”

Further information about Irish Heritage is available at irishheritage.org.uk and enquiries can be sent to contact@irishheritage.org.uk