The award was open to organisations that provide a year round, high quality music programme, support the work of professional musicians and have a strong track record in audience and community engagement. The funding may be used to purchase new or second hand pianos, or to refurbish existing instruments.
The awardees in this inaugural round are:
- Cork Opera House in Cork city awarded €75,000 towards the purchase of a Steinway Model B piano.
- The Irish Institute of Music and Song awarded €74,600 towards the purchase of a Steinway Model B piano for The Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, Dublin.
- Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, Kerry awarded €29,400 towards the refurbishment of their Steinway Model C piano.
- The Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin awarded €5,900 towards the refurbishment of their Steinway Model C piano.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan said: “I’m very pleased that we have been able to establish this important new strand of the Music Capital Scheme, which will ensure that music venues are equipped with world class instruments. The Piano Award represents a significant step forward in supporting high quality live music performance nationwide, which will benefit both musicians and audiences alike. I would like to thank Music Network for the outstanding work they do in supporting live music across 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 657 awards to individual musicians and organisations, providing access to instruments for over 59,000 people across the country. 227 performing groups have been able to purchase instruments and expand their memberships, and 263 professional established and emerging musicians have advanced their performance careers with instruments enabled by the scheme. Even more organisations have been supported in the most recent round, with the introduction of this new award among other developments and enhancements.
Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston commented: “We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport for its continued commitment to funding musical instruments for groups, individual musicians, and now for music venues and presenters. This investment is having a transformative impact on Ireland’s musical landscape, enriching communities and raising the standard of music making and performance in countless settings.
I’m delighted that four venues have benefited from this first round of The Piano Award, at varying levels. Having a top quality grand piano in situ is invaluable for music promoters, and having access to such instruments is critical to musicians’ career progression. This new strand of the Music Capital Scheme reflects our commitment to artistic excellence, musician development and ensuring that live music continues to thrive nationwide.”
This project is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
