NCH Young Musician Award for String Players 2025

The National Concert Hall Young Musician Award for String Players is made biennially in support of the development of talented young musicians in Ireland.

More info here.

Applications now open.

Deadline for 2025 Award is 5pm on Wednesday, 18 June.

The award was instigated following a benefit concert in 2007 by Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Trondheim Soloists Chamber Orchestra, who generously donated their fees in support of the Learning & Participation programme of the National Concert Hall.

The award(s) will be made on the basis of a competitive process. The total award fund is up to €10,000 biennially and may be made to one or two young musicians at the discretion of the judging panel. The award may be used for further study or towards an instrument upgrade.

Candidate Requirements:

  • The competition is open to young classical string players of violin, viola, cello or double bass.
  • Candidates must be resident or domiciled in Ireland.
  • Candidates must be between the ages of 13 – 17 as of Wednesday,18 June 2025.

Competition and Selection Requirements for 2025:

Round 1:

Candidates are required to:

  • Submit the application form below.
  • Provide an audio recording of no more than 15 minutes solo or accompanied solo performance. The recording should be in mp3 format and sent via wetransfer.com to education@nch.ie.
  • Submit the completed application form and recording by the stated application deadline.
  • Based on the application and recording, a specialist panel of judges will select a shortlist of candidates to go forward to a second round.

Round 2:

  • Shortlisted musicians will be invited to perform for the panel of judges at the National Concert Hall and will be required to:
  • Perform a programme of no more than 20 minutes duration.
  • Undertake a short interview with the panel.
  • Candidates must provide their own accompanist, if required.
  • Round 2 will take place on Saturday, 20 September

The panel may make one or two awards, at its discretion, to a maximum of €10,000.