The Accelerator Academy is partnering with the Royal Irish Academy of Music this year to support pianist Dida Condria, violinist Julieanne Forrest, violinist Claire O’Connor and cellist Catherine Cotter.

This initiative was established by Eversheds Sutherland to help support high-performing musicians to reach their full potential and ensure they thrive on and off the stage.

Over the next 24-months, the musicians will benefit from several Accelerator Academy services to help with their personal and professional development. These include access to the Academy’s Ambassador and renowned concert pianist, Finghin Collins, as well as a special masterclass for the participants.

Additionally, the personalised programme includes valuable life skills such as public speaking and media training, financial support to help cover out of pocket expenses, and a (paid) work placement opportunity in the private sector.

Alan Murphy, managing partner at Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, said: “These four highly accomplished young musicians have very promising futures ahead. Through the Academy’s career coaching, financial assistance and work experience placement we hope they will develop a range of life skills, which will help them to thrive on their future musical and non-musical paths.

“At Eversheds Sutherland, we have a strong culture of investing in world class people and nurturing young talent. This programme is a really impactful way for us to enhance the development of these young musicians as individuals as well as promising musical stars.”

Deborah Kelleher, director of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, said: “The Royal Irish Academy of Music has played a leading role in nurturing exceptional musical talent for over 170 years. In the 21st century, programmes such as the Acceleratory Academy are vital in equipping our exceptionally gifted young performers with the full range of tools needed to enjoy healthy and sustainable careers.

“We are grateful to Eversheds Sutherland for their vision in creating this future-facing Academy, and to Finghin Collins, who will bring his vast international experience and success to bear, as mentor for the group. I am excited to see how our four vibrant young musicians develop over the next two years.”

Finghin Collins, artistic director of Music for Galway, said: “As a proud alumnus of the RIAM, I was delighted to accept the invitation to be the Ambassador for this new Accelerator Academy with the RIAM and Eversheds Sutherland.

“This kind of mentoring programme will be invaluable for the four young musicians and I look forward to playing my part to ensure they get as much as possible out of the experience. I salute the team at Eversheds Sutherland for having the vision to sponsor this new project.”

This is the second group of entrants to participate in Eversheds Sutherland’s Accelerator Academy programme.

In 2018, four young talents in Irish athletics were selected as the very first members of the Academy. The four athletes - Patience Jumbo-Gula, Sarah Healy, Rhasidat Adeleke and Sophie O’Sullivan - are all medallists and Olympic hopefuls and they have been benefiting from the programme as they continue to compete at the highest level.