Competing in an event such as the Dublin International Piano Competition requires not just piano-related skills.   The Foley Programme was created for the Irish Pianists who have been selected to compete in the international competition to help them reach and sustain peak performance before and during the Competition.

The programme consists of workshops and mentoring sessions from an experienced pianist, physiotherapist, sports psychologist and music promoter to help them develop the physical stamina, mental strength and interactive skills on and off stage.

The pianists will also participate in a broader education initiative, which will involve performing in schools throughout Dublin and around the country where possible leading up to the international competition. The performances will be interactive with question and answer sessions. The participating schools will then be invited to ‘adopt’ a pianist who they will then support during the Competition itself.

The next audition for the Irish entrants will take place in December 2021.

Maurice and Maire Foley

Maurice Foley was at the time President of GPA Group plc, sponsor of the first three Dublin International Piano Competitions. His wife Maire also made a significant contribution to these events as an organiser of volunteer support.

The Foley Irish Competitor’s Training Programme is named in their honour.