Bishopstown student is runner-up in prestigious classical music awards

A 18-year-old trombonist – Yannick Daly-Trillaud – who is a sixth-year student at Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh in Bishopstown in Cork, has been named runner up at the prestigious 2026 TopSec Frank Maher Classical Music Awards.

The competition stands as Ireland’s largest classical music competition for secondary schools, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Mr Daly-Trillaud was one of six finalists at the competition, which was held recently in the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin.

At the competition he performed two pieces, including Cavatine Opus144 by composer Camille Saint-Saëns and Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra by composer Launy Grøndahl.

For his performance, Mr Daly Trillaud was one of five finalists who each received a €300 bursary, and an invitation to attend classical music masterclasses in Europe next summer.

Awards creator Emmet O’Rafferty said it was a great pleasure to experience the extraordinary standard of young musical talent coming through Irish schools.

"Congratulations to Yannick on his second-place finish," said Mr O'Rafferty.

"I hope that the opportunity to attend masterclasses in Europe will help to develop his talent further and broaden his musical horizons."