Nils Kavanagh, a jazz pianist from Sligo, has won the inaugural Young Irish Jazz Musician Award. The musician was presented the award during a live competition event at University Concert Hall in Limerick on 10 April, organised by Limerick Jazz in association with Improvised Music Company (IMC). 

Kavanagh was selected by a panel including composer Bill Whelan, flute player, composer and broadcaster Ellen Cranitch, and trumpet player, broadcaster and educator Linley Hamilton. ‘This was a very inspiring evening,’ Whelan said. ‘The standard of these young musicians was quite outstanding and bodes very well for the future of Irish music.’

The competition included six finalists aged between 17 and 22 – Cork drummer Michael McCarthy, Dublin guitarist Matthew O’Connell, saxophonist from Clare Jamie Lundy, vocalist and guitarist from Clare, Julie Martin, and Meath drummer Miles Ronayne. 

Kavanagh began playing jazz at age 16 through Sligo Jazz Project – a summer school with workshops, masterclasses and jam sessions. He is currently working as a professional musician in Cardiff and studying Jazz Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. As part of his prize, Kavanagh will record with a professional ensemble and perform in the University Concert Hall Rising Stars Concert alongside other young musicians in classical music and opera. He will also receive a bursary to partake in an international jazz summer school. 

Commenting on the inaugural award, John Daly, Chair of Limerick Jazz, said:

Limerick Jazz are delighted with the success of the first ever Young Irish Jazz Musician event. Our feedback from the finalists and the adjudicators was very positive. The finalists particularly valued the opportunity to rehearse extensively with the house band over the weekend and getting to know their peers from across the country. We are delighted to have IMC as a valued partner for this event.