Cork musicians invited to apply for trad bursary

Young musicians across Cork are being invited to apply for a fully-funded residential bursary, under the All-Ireland Residential Bursary Scheme.

The bursary, worth €4,000, delivered in partnership with Ulster University Belfast, will see successful applicants entrenched in this year’s Belfast TradFest, taking place from July 28 to August 1.

The Summer School of Traditional Music will offer participants an intensive week of masterclasses, workshops, performances, and sessions, taught by some of the world’s leading traditional musicians including Kevin Burke, Catriona McKay, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Cathy Jordan, Stephanie Keane, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Chris Stout, Louise Mulcahy, Mary Bergin, John Doyle, Zoë Conway, Caitlín Nic Gabhann, and Ronán Eastwood.

Remove barriers 

The All-Ireland Residential Bursary Scheme aims to remove financial barriers for talented young students from every county across Ireland, covering tuition fees which includes access to the full programme of afternoon events, accommodation, and meals, allowing recipients to fully immerse themselves in the summer school experience.

The summer school is welcoming learners of all levels, aged between 18 and 23, to submit applications, whether they’re brushing up on ornamentation, learning a new dance step, or simply looking to connect with others passionate about traditional music.

Special concert

This year’s festival programme of events includes a special concert organised by Belfast TradFest’s artistic director, Dónal O’Connor, featuring Dervish, NOTIFY, the Irish Concertina Orchestra, composer Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE Concert Orchestra, and The Breath, led by Ríoghnach Connolly, with Iarla Ó Lionáird and Tim Edey.

The programme also features duos and ensembles such as Scottish artists Chris Stout and Catriona McKay; Mick McAuley and John Doyle; Matt Molloy, John Carty and Brian McGrath; and new Belfast trad ensemble, Tempest.

Entry submissions to the All-Ireland bursary scheme close on June 2 at 6pm.

To apply for the All-Ireland Residential Bursary Scheme or sponsor a bursary, visit https://www.belfasttraditionalmusic.com.