Mayo musicians invited to apply for high end classical instruments

Applications are invited from musicians based in Mayo to apply to the Music Network National Musical Instrument Collection – open to up-and-coming classical players.

The call is for access to seven high quality classical instruments including three violins, a viola, a cello and a concert harp.

The announcement has been made by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan as part of the Music Network Music Capital Scheme, which has been supporting the purchase of musical instruments for both individual professional musicians and non-professional performing groups for the past 17 years.

This specific strand of the scheme, for high end classical instruments was run for the first time last year. It is designed to address the unique challenges faced by emerging professional classical players – and keen to receive applications from exceptional Mayo musicians.

A primary barrier in fulfilling artistic and career potential is the lack of access to a high end tonally strong instruments. The award loans high quality instruments for a period of three years to successful applicants. Furthermore, awardees may also be offered up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new bow which they will retain and own permanently.

This round of the award is open to advanced violinists, violists, cellists and harpists who are about to embark on, or in the process of studying for a Master’s degree, or who have completed their studies within the last three years and now embarking on their professional career.

Applicants must demonstrate high potential and have a strong track record as solo performers and/or in chamber music settings. Applications are open to musicians who are Irish citizens or resident in the Republic of Ireland. Irish citizens do not need to be living in Ireland to apply.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support the Music Capital Scheme and the establishment of the Music Network National Musical Instrument Collection. This scheme is designed to address the unique challenges faced by our emerging classical musicians in the early stages of a professional performance career. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Music Network for the outstanding work they do which has a significant impact on the quality of, and access to, music-making and live music performance throughout Ireland.”

Established in 2008, the Music Capital Scheme is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and managed by Music Network. Since it was established, the scheme has made 850 awards to individual musicians and organisations, providing access to instruments for over 70,000 people across the country. A total of 430 non-professional performing groups have been able to purchase instruments and expand their memberships, and 416 professional established and emerging musicians have advanced their performance careers with new instruments enabled by the scheme. Even more musicians will be supported this year and in the future through the continued expansion of this instrument collection.

This year seven instruments have been added to the collection including: Violin: Alessandro Camilletti (2025); Violin: Fratelli Guastalla (1925); Violin: Voller Brothers (1893); Viola: Charles John Wilkinson (c. 1935); The Maurice Meulien Cello and Bow: Caressa and Francais cello (1906), Robert Pierce bow (2021); Cello: Roger Hansell, Davidov-Stradivari copy (2020); Concert Harp: Salvi – Iris Natural (2025).

Applications for the Music Network National Musical Instrument Collection – Music Capital Scheme Award 4 – are now invited and will close on Tuesday, September 29, at 2 p.m.

There will be an online information session for applicants on Tuesday, August 11, at 11 a.m. Applications can be made online here.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview during the week of October 19, followed by in-person auditions in Dublin on Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28.

Music Network is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals within culturally diverse communities and people with disabilities. More information about the awards, guidelines and application forms is available here.

Enquiries regarding the Music Capital Scheme Award 4 can be sent to Sarah Ledwidge, Music Capital Scheme Manager by emailing capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie or call 083 016 2718.