Helen making musical memories

A student from St Angela’s College was one of six finalist that got to show off their musical talents recently.

18 year old Helen Rutledge, a sixth year student, was one of the finalists at the 2020 Top Security Frank Maher Classical Music Awards.

Helen plays the violin and accompanied by pianist Ellen Jansson, she performed ‘Melodie, Op 42’ by Piotr Ilitch Tchaikovsky and ‘Danse Espagnole’ by Manuel de Falla.

The awards’ aim is to showcase outstanding young musical talent in Ireland and are open to sixth year post-primary students of strings, woodwind, brass and piano. The €5,000 top prize must be used to attend a recognised place of tuition, a course of study in Ireland or abroad or on a purchase necessary for the development of their talent.

Helen was presented with a €300 bursary as were the other finalists with the 2020 Award going to 17 year old violinist Julieanne Forrest from Meath.

The awards were created in 2001 by Top Security chairman Emmet O’Rafferty to honour the memory of his late teacher, Fr Frank Maher, who taught music at Castleknock College in Dublin.

Emmet said: “Congratulations to Helen on her achievement in making the finals of this very prestigious competition. It’s a privilege to have been able to give these young musicians the support and recognition they deserve, which has never been more needed than now. Helen now joins the ranks of extremely talented young musicians who have taken part in this competition and we wish her the very best for the future.”

The judging panel this year was Dr Gerard Gillen, emeritus professor of music at NUI Maynooth, Dr Kerry Houston, head of academic studies at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama and classical pianist Veronica McSwiney.