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Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Talented Carlow soprano wins prestigious emerging talent award
The €6,000 bursary was presented after a special performance at Kildare Village, held to celebrate one month to go until the 2025 Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF), which takes place from May 27 to June 2 in Co Waterford. Eva is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) in Dublin, studying under Kathleen Tynan and Dearbhla Collins. Renowned for her versatile talent, Eva has already performed at prestigious venues across Ireland and has earned multiple accolades for her outstanding vocal ability. In 2024, Eva achieved significant success, including multiple awards at the Feis Ceoil, the Canto al Serchio Prize at the Birr Festival of Music, and the John McCormack Bursary. In January 2025, she performed the role of Rosina in Haydn's La vera costanza, and in February she participated in the Winterlied Academie Programme in Leipzig. Eva will perform as part of the 2025 Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, and will also act as a festival ambassador alongside fellow emerging artists. The bursary will support her continued studies and professional development, helping to advance her blossoming career as one of Ireland's most promising young sopranos. 'I'm thrilled to be the first recipient of this incredible new bursary,' said Eva. 'Thanks to the generous donor and to Kildare Village for funding the Brid Phelan Emerging Talent award, and to the ongoing support of Dieter Kaegi and all at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, I now have the opportunity to travel for auditions and professional training, attend summer schools and masterclasses, and perform at this year's festival – not once, but three times. "I'm also deeply grateful to my family, friends, and my tutors at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for all of their support,' she continued. 'This opportunity is a turning point in my development and will have a lasting impact on my future career.' This new award, to be presented annually from 2025 to 2029, forms part of BVOF's ongoing commitment to nurturing exceptional Irish operatic talent. It honours the legacy of Bríd Phelan and recognises promising young artists on the cusp of exciting careers. Winners are selected by Dieter Kaegi, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. The inaugural award presentation was marked by a performance from Eva Kavanagh at Kildare Village, together with Conor Prendeville, and Ella Nagy.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ancient Irish harp music to be reimagined at Wicklow venue
Some of Ireland's most celebrated musicians in traditional, classical, and early music join forces with award-winning visual artists to present Ceol Ársa Cláirsí – a concert experience that is both musically and visually immersive. This unique event showcases Irish harp music by composers such as Turlough Carolan, Thomas Connellan, and Ruairí Dall Ó Catháin, with historically informed arrangements drawn from original Irish and Scottish sources. Audiences will experience the rich sounds of gut-and wire-strung instruments of the period blended seamlessly with traditional instruments and, of course, the Irish harp. The music will be accompanied by striking and atmospheric video imagery. The line-up of musicians on the night includes Cormac Breatnach, an acclaimed whistle player deeply rooted in the Irish tradition, who has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists including Elvis Costello, Vanessa Williams, Donal Lunny, and Susan McKeown. Originally from Australia, Dr Steve Cooney is one of the most influential musicians in modern Irish traditional music. A guitarist, composer, producer, and didgeridoo player, he has collaborated with Mary Black, Altan, Martin Hayes, Séamus Begley and many more. Aisling Ennis is a leading Irish harpist known for her expressive and versatile performance style. She has trained at the Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School, RIAM, and holds a Master's in Arts Management from UCD. Malachy Robinson is principal double bass with the Irish Chamber Orchestra since 1995, Malachy is also a member of Crash Ensemble and the Irish Baroque Orchestra. He performs regularly on viola da gamba and is a noted interpreter of contemporary Irish music. Dr Eamon Sweeney is a specialist in early plucked-string instruments. He studied classical guitar at TU Dublin and early music in Barcelona. His extensive performance and teaching career includes collaborations with figures such as the late Seamus Heaney, Mary Coughlan, and Theo Dorgan. Tickets are available through priced €22.
