A platform for the best of emerging young jazz talent (aged 13-18) on the island of Ireland the chance to be heard by leading Irish jazz musicians and broadcasters.
What is the Young Jazz Musician Award?
The Young Irish Jazz Musician event, presented by Limerick Jazz in association with Improvised Music Company provides a platform for the best of emerging young jazz talent (aged 13-18) on the island of Ireland, giving outstanding young jazz musicians the chance to be heard by leading Irish jazz musicians and broadcasters.
At the inaugural event in University Concert Hall, Limerick on the evening of Sunday 10th April 2022, finalists performed with a Limerick Jazz house band for a panel of judges, led by world-renowned composer and legendary Limerick musician Bill Whelan. Sligo pianist Nils Kavanagh was named the first Young Irish Jazz Musician by a panel including Whelan, flute player, composer and broadcaster Ellen Cranitch, and trumpet player, broadcaster and educator Linley Hamilton. ‘This was a very inspiring evening,’ Whelan said. ‘The standard of these young musicians was quite outstanding and bodes very well for the future of Irish music.’
The competition included six finalists aged between 17 and 22 – Cork drummer Michael McCarthy, Dublin guitarist Matthew O’Connell, saxophonist from Clare Jamie Lundy, vocalist and guitarist from Clare, Julie Martin, and Meath drummer Miles Ronayne.
This is the first of what is planned to be a regular event to give a platform to the best of emerging Irish jazz talent. The Young Irish Jazz Musician will get to make a professional studio recording, participate in UCH’s Rising Stars Concert, and receive a bursary to take part in an international summer school.
How to get involved
The Young Irish Jazz Musician Award takes place every two years, and will accept applications again in 2023. All applications need to be sent to Limerick Jazz Festival via their website, email or by post.
See full details on how to apply for Limerick Jazz Festival.
Our goals
We will have been successful in 2022 if we have collaborated to provide a performance platform and mentorship opportunities for five finalists, and further means for one young jazz musician to progress their career in a meaningful and constructive way.