Two talented musicians supported by the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards

L-R: Kristan Swain, Joanna McVey daughter of the late Joan Trimble, Maeve McCann, Liz McVey grand-daughter of the late Joan Trimble and Aimée Elliott great grand-daughter of the late Joan Trimble

 

Piper Maeve McCann and flautist Kristan Swain are the recipients of the latest Joan Trimble Bursary Awards. Established by her family and administered by the Fermanagh Trust, the awards were set up in 2002 in memory of the Enniskillen born musician and composer Joan Trimble.

19 year old Maeve McCann from Lisnarick received her bursary to gain further tuition on the Uilleann Pipes – including classes at Na Píobairí Uilleann in Dublin and piping workshops at the Willie Clancy Summer School in Co Clare. Currently an undergraduate student at Trinity College Dublin, Maeve is keen to further her talent of Uileann Pipes and is eager to take part in opportunities that will help that progression.

Kristan Swain, 22 years old from Enniskillen began playing the flute when he was 8. At 13 he won the All Ireland Young Flute Player of the Year. In July 2016 Kristan graduated from London’s Royal Academy of Music with a first class honours degree. During his time at the Academy he received a number of awards including the Regency Award for longstanding success.

Kristan’s grant will be used to fund a series of lessons with Samuel Coles, principal flute with the Philharmonica Orchestra. Kristan hopes this will present him with opportunity of playing with the Philharmonica Orchestra and give him a platform of exposure to other playing outlets.

Having provided financial support to a number of local students, the awards recognise Joan’s lifelong commitment to County Fermanagh and their purpose is to encourage the involvement of young people in creativity, the performing arts and Irish culture. Joanna McVey, daughter of the late Joan Trimble said “In the spirit of encouraging wider opportunity and access to all of the arts we are delighted to award these bursaries to Maeve and Kris. Both are incredibly talented students, commended highly by their tutors as excellent ambassadors for Fermanagh. “

Joanna added “Kris and Maeve must be applauded for their willingness and drive to further develop their studies and musicianship. No doubt they will gain inspiration and valuable experience as they progress with their studies and we wish them every success for the future.”

For more information on the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards CLICK HERE. The next closing date for applications is 1st March 2017. Areas of support for individuals up to and including 25 years of age include: specialist education training sessions and courses; international cultural programmes; participation in master classes and summer schools.