There is no shortage of young musical talent in Kilkenny and last week, during the Kilkenny Music Festival this was more evident than ever as young people took to the stage to compete for some very prestigious trophies.
The 13th annual Kilkenny Music Festival hosted the talent of thousands of participants in the festival over five days at school venues across the city.
The festival creates an opportunity for musicians and singers alike to showcase their talent in an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere. While the trophies and awards are a lure to many, the festival has remained consistent in providing individuals and groups the chance to receive advice and guidance from experienced adjudicators and also in providing an arena for both children and adults to perform for their peers and supporters.
Following on from the 73 competitions, the adjudicators for the festival, Dr Marion Hayden Doherty (Choral and Vocal competitions ), Eleanor Malone (Piano Competitions ), James Thomas (Wind and Brass Competitions ) and Robert Mahon (String Competitions ) will pick several performers to take part in the festival’s Gala concert. It is at this concert that the festival’s most prestigious awards and bursaries shall be presented. Among these awards are the Rev CJ Sherin Perpetual Trophy for the most outstanding choir in the festival with the Kilkenny Music Festival/Statestreet Bursary, the Rev CJ Sherin Perpetual Trophy for the most outstanding individual in the festival with the Meubles Bursary, the Millennium Cup for the adjudicator’s choice of most entertaining performance, the Canon Brennan Memorial cup for emerging talent and the Kilkenny Music Festival Bursary award presented by the Kilkenny Music Festival committee to enable further musical study.
The gala concert will take place on March 21, at the Set Theatre, John Street, Kilkenny.
For any queries about the gala concert or next year’s festival email kilkennymusicfestival@gmail.com or call (086 )3569745.