Eimear McGeown - Camerata Ireland/ Accenture Young Musician of the Year 2006 and Clandeboye winner 2006 

Before I won the Clandeboye award I was teaching, working in a pub and in a flute shop, which took up all my time. Then the Accenture Award money gave me the opportunity to cut down on all my jobs and gave me time to practice and focus on getting more performing opportunities. It also gave me self belief and determination to really go for my career. Two competitions that I entered I came runner-up in the British Final of the Lion's European Music Competition and Prizewinning Finalist in the Eastbourne Concerto competition. Then I started depping on Lord of the Rings show in the West End using also my Irish flutes, had solo recitals including St. Martins-in-the-Fields, St. James, Piccadilly and Belfast Music Society International festival. I also went to Italy to a flute festival. I performed a concerto with the Studio Symphony Orchestra in Ireland and recorded on the new album of a folk/rock band called Amsterdam and in a contemporary ensemble with Jazz musicians. The highlights of the year that Camerata Ireland provided were performing solo on RTE TV programme, 'The View', performing a World Premiere Concerto in Washington DC and the solo recital in the Clandeboye festival which enabled me to also play my Irish flutes and whistles. Also through Camerata Ireland I have received many reviews and quotes from Belfast Telegraph, Irish Times and Irish Independent which I have used to help promote myself. My career aspirations are to have a career as a flautist performing in a wide variety of ways including orchestral but mainly my passion lies in performing as soloist.