THE TRENCH AWARD 2026, Ireland
Birr (Offaly), Ireland
Deadline: February 19th, 2026
The Trench Award is a prestigious initiative presented as part of Birr Festival of Music, designed to support emerging classical singers and instrumentalists from the Midlands region.
Applications are invited from emerging singers and instrumentalists who are pursuing a career in professional performance in classical music.
Eligibility:
-
Applicants must be from the general Midlands/Mid-west region of Ireland.
-
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.
Schedule:
Pre-Selection: video recorded/ Results: March 12th, 2026
Final Round: May 1st to May 4th, 2026 (6 Finalists)/will be invited to attend Birr Festival of Music
The Trench Award Gala Concert: May 3rd, 2026/ Birr Theatre
Award:
- The Trench Award is €5000.
- Further bursaries, to the value of €5000 may be awarded including the Birr Lions Club Bursary, the Canto al Serchio Prize (for voice), the Connolly Award (for voice), the Lumcloon Energy Award (for instrument) and an Audience Choice prize.
