Ireland’s Young Musicians to Take the Stage in 2026 Waltons RTÉ Competition
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The 2026 Waltons RTÉ lyric fm Music for Schools Competition is now open, offering primary and post-primary school music groups across the Republic of Ireland the chance to perform at the National Concert Hall and reach a national audience via live stream. This annual event, a cornerstone of Irish music education since 2011, champions the creativity and collaborative spirit of young musicians.
A Decade of Nurturing Musical Talent
Founded in 2011, the Music for Schools Competition has become a vital platform for supporting young musicians and fostering a thriving music culture within Irish schools. The non-profit initiative has seen participation from hundreds of schools across all 26 counties, celebrating music as an essential element of a well-rounded education.
According to one educator from Gaelscoil Fair Urmhuhan, Co. Tipperary, the competition’s impact extends far beyond musical skill. “There is no other competition like it. Our children have taken on a new air of confidence and belief. Playing as a group develops so much more than musical abilities – responsibility, teamwork, a sense of belonging and partnership.” The educator further noted the strong community support, stating, “The support and buy-in from pupils and parents alike from the very first day really helped us to achieve something very special.”
‘Rhythm Rules!’: This Year’s Challenge
For the 2026 competition, school music groups – comprised of between 8 and 40 students – will respond to the theme ‘Rhythm Rules!’ through an original piece or song. The competition welcomes a diverse range of musical genres, including classical, Irish traditional, jazz, pop, rock, rap, and folk, encouraging schools to embrace inclusivity and showcase the unique talents within their student bodies.
Performance and Prizes
Twelve finalist groups – six from primary schools and six from post-primary schools – will perform before a panel of distinguished adjudicators at the National Concert Hall on May 18, 2026. The concert will be streamed live by RTÉ lyric fm, allowing audiences across Ireland and around the globe to experience the talent of these young musicians.
Six winning groups – three primary and three post-primary – will receive awards totaling €7,000 in vouchers for musical instruments and equipment from Waltons Music.
A Legacy of Expertise
The competition’s judging panel boasts an impressive roster of Irish musical luminaries. Past adjudicators include renowned figures such as David Brophy, Zoë Conway, Ellen Cranitch, Julie Feeney, Aedín Gormley, Evelyn Grant, Lisa Hannigan, Deborah Kelleher, Dónal Lunny, Gwen Moore, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, and Bill Whelan.
“Behind the facts and figures relating to music education in Ireland, there lies an indisputable truth, thrillingly exemplified on the stage of the National Concert Hall during the Music for Schools Competition Finalists Concert: the depth of musical creativity among our young people is simply astonishing,” stated conductor and music educator David Brophy. Singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan echoed this sentiment, noting, “It was so heartening to see the beautiful stage of the National Concert Hall inspire this generation of talented musicians.”
Important Dates
The entry deadline for the 2026 competition is Friday, March 20, 2026. The twelve finalists will be announced on RTÉ lyric fm on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, culminating in the Finalists Concert on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The Waltons RTÉ lyric fm Music for Schools Competition continues to provide an invaluable opportunity for young Irish musicians to shine, fostering a lifelong love of music and enriching the cultural landscape of the nation.
