Talented young musicians from across Northern Ireland have just a few weeks to apply before entries to the annual Catherine Judge Memorial Award are closed.

The Award is seeking applications from young solo musicians who have achieved a Grade 8 Standard and who would like to continue their music education at third level. Closing date for entries is December 21st.

The winner will receive a bursary of £5,000 towards their musical studies.

Shortlisted entrants will have the opportunity to perform for some of Ireland?s leading musicians in the wonderful setting of the Great Hall at Queen?s University, Belfast.

The award was created in memory of Catherine Judge, an employee of Bank of Ireland, who passed away in August 2005. It aims to support a new generation of musical talent on the island of Ireland. Catherine had a great love for music and loved to see young people get the opportunity to grow and develop.

Last year?s joint winners, Kristan Swain (Flute) and Andrew McCoy (Trombone) recommend all young musicians enter this amazing competition. After winning the award Kristan and Andrew went on to perform live on BBC Radio Ulster?s ?Sounds Classical? programme and Kristan also performed for HM Queen during her Diamond Jubilee visit to Northern Ireland.

Andrew said: ?Being a winner of the Catherine Judge Memorial Award has provided me with the opportunity to prove myself as a growing musician and enables me to leave Northern Ireland and move to London with a huge sense of contentment and pride. I would encourgage anyone who takes their music seriously and who desires to take it to a higher level to apply for this remarkable competition??.

For further information about the Catherine Judge Memorial Award and to apply, visit www.cjudgememorial.co.uk. Entries are invited from all students on the island of Ireland who have achieved Grade 8 standard and fulfil the other listed criteria. The closing date for applications to this year?s Award is December 21st 2012.

For media enquiries contact

Sharon McDonnell, Bank of Ireland, Tel: 00353 766234784

Caption:

Pictured is Ioana Petchu, the distinguished and internationally renowned violin soloist and co-leader of the Ulster Orchestra and Sean Sheehan Regional Manager (NI) for Bank of Ireland UK. Ioana was also a member of the judging panel for the Catherine Judge Memorial Award this year.