Soprano Eva Kavanagh has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Irené Sandford Award for Singers, which commemorates the much-loved singer and former Head of Vocal Studies at the RIAM. The €3,000 bursary is generously donated by her husband, Billy Reid, in addition to a number of other prizes supported by her family, friends and donors.
Eva performed alongside fellow students Eadaoin Hassett (soprano) who finished in second place, Abbey Marie McGiff (soprano) who took third place and Aobha Corroon (mezzo-soprano) who came in fourth place.
Eva also took home the Gráinne Dunne Memorial Prize, a prize dedicated to the late, great Gráinne Dunne.
Eadaoin Hassett also took home the Diane Carey Prize, while piano accompanist Dearbhla Collins was presented with the William Reid Prize.
Other awards during the competition included:
The Patricia Eberhart Aria Prize
Kelsie Irving (soprano)
Most Promising Performer (Female) during the Semi-Final Round
Caitlin Minnock (soprano)
Most Promising Performer (Male) during the Semi-Final Round
Donnacha McDonagh (baritone)