The 2014 Ed Renshaw Music Award
Young musicians from South East London in need of help with their career will be given the chance to get their hands on a cash award, alongside mentoring, and industry support with the launch of the Ed Renshaw Music Award, set up in memory of guitarist Edward Renshaw. Offered for the first time this year, it is intended to help young musicians achieve their potential.
Ed Renshaw was a gifted musician. He was born in Greenwich in 1981, and went to Thomas Tallis School. At the age of 10 he discovered the guitar, decided that music was to be his life, and worked at it with total commitment. He had a rare talent for the instrument, equally fluent in classical, jazz, and other styles. But he also struggled bravely against bouts of depression until tragically one ended his life in 2011.
In his memory, and to honour his love of music, his family and friends staged a charity gig at the Albany and are donating the proceeds to establish the Ed Renshaw Music Award for other young musicians.
The award will help fund the career plans of two talented musicians or groups, up to the value of £1,500. On top of this, the recipients will be provided with mentoring and industry support from Peter Conway Management, space to practice and perform at the Albany, as well as artist development support. They'll also be given a gig, performing at 'An Evening for Ed' charity event at the Albany on 25 October.
The judging panel, composed of representatives from the Albany, Peter Conway Management, and Ed's family and friends, will be looking out for entrants who not only display musical talent and performance skills, but also original music, savvy business plans and a passion to forge a successful musical career.
Applications are open to South East London residents between the ages of 16-25. The application forms can be downloaded from the Albany's website. Once completed the forms should be sent to musicaward@thealbany.org.uk
