The 2026 Competition Categories & Prizes
Rules & conditions can be found here.
Dates for applications will be announced in 2026.
Senior Competition
Date – Monday 17 August 2026
Venue – St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh
Rehearsal – between Saturday 15 and Monday 17 August 2026
Level – Post-Grade 8 Standard
Age – 21 or under on Monday 17 August 2026
Programme: A 20-minute recital which must include a work by J S Bach.
Awards to include The Dame Gillian Weir Medal, which celebrates the exceptional work of our Patron Dame Gillian Weir, both as a musician and educator. It will be awarded by the jury, on behalf of Dame Gillian, for the performance of a single work which they consider the most outstanding in the Senior category
Intermediate Category
Date – Tuesday 18 August 2026, 1pm
Venue – St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh
Rehearsal – Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August 2026
Level – Grades 6-8 Standard (competitors must not have gained a diploma)
Age – 21 or under on Tuesday 18 August 2026
Programme: A recital lasting no more than 12 minutes, which must consist of two or three pieces.
Apprentice Showcase
Date – Tuesday 18 August 2026, 10:30am
Venue – St Malachy’s Church
Full information regarding this event will be released early in 2026
