“The Homan Potterton Bursary for String Instruments” is the latest addition to Irish Heritage’s portfolio of bursaries that includes awards for performance, for vocal studies, for composition and a special accompanist’s award, together valued at over £14,000 annually.
The recipient of the new bursary will receive an award of £3,000, a London debut at an Irish Heritage event and be invited to perform at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.
The new bursary commemorates the late Homan Potterton, a former Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and supporter of Irish Heritage. The bursary has been presented by his civil partner Alex Heusen.
Announcing the new bursary, Mr Heusen said,
“Homan has long been a supporter and champion of arts and culture in Ireland and abroad, and given his love of music and desire to nurture Irish talent, I am very grateful to Irish Heritage in facilitating the establishment of this bursary which is a fitting tribute in his memory.”
Commenting on the announcement, Patrick Lennon, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Irish Heritage, said, “Those of us that were privileged to know Homan Potterton will always remember a proud Irishman who shared Irish Heritage’s commitment to encouraging talented young Irish musicians and singers in the early stages of their careers. We are very grateful to him and to his partner Alex Heusen who has presented this bursary in his honour.”
Applications for the bursary will be invited in September from first and second generation Irish students undertaking post-graduate degree courses at the 12 leading music conservatoires and colleges in Britain.
As with the other Irish Heritage bursaries, applicants will have to be nominated by their conservatoire or college (self-nomination is not allowed) and their applications will be assessed with a view to inviting them to perform at the charity’s adjudication day in the Wigmore Hall on 10 November 2021.