Monday 16th December 2024 was a joyous night as we gathered from all corners of the island to recognise and celebrate the diverse achievements of RIAM Exams students in 2024. The RIAM Spotlight Awards Gala Concert, hosted by the inimitable Aedín Gormley, one of RTÉ lyric fm's best-loved presenters, presented a small selection of the 30,000 music and drama performances by RIAM Exams students this year.
We toast the wealth of young talent in our country today and pay tribute to the parents, guardians and teachers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to nurture the precious gifts of music and drama.
The RIAM Spotlight Awards are generously supported by Ace Autobody.
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RIAM: Leading Music Performance Education in Ireland
The Royal Irish Academy of Music is Ireland’s oldest music institution and offers a wide range of music possibilities to students of all ages. The aim of the Academy is to open up the world of music to all, because it is our firm belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy music. While we have a responsibility to train future musicians, it is equally our great desire to create and encourage music lovers for the future, not just professional performers or academics. The Academy could therefore be described as the backbone of music education and appreciation in Ireland.
Although physically based in Dublin, the Academy nevertheless makes a significant impact around the country through RIAM Exams which engages with almost 30,000 music and drama students, as well as their families and teachers every year. Through this examination system, the Academy has visited the length and breadth of Ireland for 130 years, inspiring countless numbers of music and drama students by providing a valuable yardstick in Arts Education. It is interesting to note that stars such as the late Sinéad O’Connor, Westlife’s Kian Egan, international pianist Finghin Collins, Harry Potter actress Evanna Lynch and BAFTA winner Andrew Scott have all participated in this examination system which demonstrates the value and importance of this education trail and the Academy’s impact and influence nationally.
Earlier this year RIAM announced this exciting new initiative, the RIAM Spotlight Awards, to recognise and celebrate the diverse achievements of some of the students around Ireland who engage annually with RIAM Exams. We are delighted to welcome Ace Autobody as sponsors of the Spotlight Awards and to see RIAM partner with Ireland’s leading collision repair specialists with the largest national network of crash repair garages on this extremely worthwhile endeavour. With shared values based on excellence and national reach, we are confident that this partnership can reap real impactful benefits celebrating the achievements of young musicians and drama students who aspire for success in their creative endeavours and who, in turn, inspire other young people to achieve their dreams.
We have had a truly wonderful journey so far this year with regional concerts taking place around the country throughout the months of October and November. Tonight, we welcome a selection of inspirational young artists who graced the stages of some of the outstanding spaces in Ireland and have received Spotlight Awards. In presenting this event in the magnificent surroundings of the Whyte Recital Hall, we toast the wealth of young talent in our country today and pay tribute to the parents, guardians and teachers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to nurture the precious gifts of music and drama. Tonight I would also like to salute my colleagues from RIAM Exams and RIAM Marketing and Development whose passion and commitment to our valuable work ensures that we can shine the spotlight on so many extraordinary young artists.
With Ace Autobody, RIAM looks forward to celebrating talent and achievement, supporting creativity and cultural expression in communities throughout Ireland for many years.
Deborah Kelleher
Director, Royal Irish Academy of Music
December 2024
