Athlone will mark the 55th anniversary of the death of its most famous son, Count John McCormack, this year at the annual John McCormack Golden Voice of Athlone Competition.
The competition has over the years become one of Ireland's richest singing bursaries. There is a prize fund of over £8,000, with sponsorship provided by One Direct insurance, which is based in the town.
Organised by Athlone Chamber of Commerce, the competition will have an international panel of competitors. This year, the winner will receive £5,000 and the first runner-up £2,000, while the second runner-up will win £1,000.
The panel of adjudicators will be Guy Cherqui of the French Cultural Centre, Milan; David Byers, head of music and arts at BBC Northern Ireland; and Penelope Price Jones, adjudicator of the British Federation of Festivals. The chairman of the adjudicators will be Ted Ryan, honorary treasurer of the Feis Ceoil Association.
It was at the Feis Ceoil in Dublin that the young McCormack first made a name for himself, which led to his debut in Savona in 1906. From the beginning of the first World War McCormack dominated the international stage and made over 300 recordings. This year's competition will be held in the Hodson Bay Hotel on March 2nd and 3rd. Full details can be obtained from Athlone Chamber of Commerce, tel. 0902 73022.
Before this festival, Athlone will have a recital by the internationally-acclaimed pianist John O'Conor, whose performance opens the school of Our Lady's Bower's Arts Week 2000 next Monday.
The school, according to spokeswoman Susan Eades, has been holding an arts week since 1984. A series of talks, workshops and performances will be held between February 23rd and 25th.
Vona Groarke, Philip Brady, Desmond Egan and others will give readings. Musicians Mary Mulligan, Niamh Crowley and the Band of the Western Command will be performing.
Craftsmen and women will give demonstrations to the pupils. The list includes potter Judy Greenen, woodturner William Stanley, sculptor Brigit Beamster and Grainne Breslin, who works with steel.
The week will also feature workshops by Irish Times journalists Katie Donovan and Rosita Boland, who will give lectures to aspiring writers.
There will also be exhibitions by the Longford sculptor Michael Casey, the painter Maree Bannon, the potter Judy Greene, and Leo Mahon, photographer.
Details of Arts Week 2000 can be obtained by calling 0902 74777/75524.