2026 Irish Heritage Bursary Winners

Friday the 13th does not have to be as inauspicious as some might think and for Irish Heritage it saw the Annual Bursary Day at Wigmore Hall.

Ten finalists were chosen from an initial application group of 28 performers who were vying for three bursaries and one award on the day. Tara Viscardi, Artistic Administrator, managed the whole process working with Brian Hughes, Artistic Director. The hard job of adjudicating was left to the supreme abilities of Andrew King for voice, Cliodna Shanahan, piano and Anna Cashell for stringed instruments. Together they worked their minds to agree the winners and admitted it was so hard, as the talent displayed was just incredible. We are delighted to announce the winners:

• The Irish Heritage Bursary for Performance (sponsored by the Ireland Funds of Great Britain): Seth Collin (Cello)
• The Brackaville Bursary for Vocal Studies: Cuan Durkin (Baritone)
• The Homan Potterton Bursary for String Instruments: Julieanne Forrest (Violin)
• Accompanist's Prize (sponsored by Blackwater Valley Opera Festival): Eléna Esposito (Piano)

Margaret Parkinson, Mary Connolly and Jim Kirby were on hand from the Irish Heritage board to oversee all and we have to say a big thank you to the staff of Wigmore for their marvellous assistance. Our gratitude also goes to John Gilhooly, Joe Duer and Annabel Astridge for their continued generosity in making our bursary day so successful by having it at the prestigious Wigmore Hall.

All those who took part will be invited to perform at upcoming Irish Heritage concerts and recitals – our first will be on 29th April at the Royal Over-Seas League, London, so don’t miss out and buy your tickets now: Buy tickets – Irish Heritage Bursary Concert – Princess Alexandra Hall, Royal Over-Seas League