From Cork to performing in Carnegie Hall, 21-year-old Mairead might be young, but she is certainly accomplished.

The violinist is a dual trad and chamber musician, with a string of awards under her belt from eight All-Ireland fiddle titles, to being named young musician of the year by the National Chamber Orchestra.

Mairead is currently training as a young soloist at Kronberg Academy in Germany, and has won various bursaries to fund her tuition.

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She was only three years of age when she first picked up a violin.

“I can’t really remember a time when I would have decided [to become a musician], but I was always kind of thinking about it. It happened that there wasn’t really anything else that I was prepared to study,” she says.

Though her grandparents are Irish, Mairead’s parents were both born in the UK. The family lived on the island of Bermuda until she turned seven, before moving to the place where her musical career began – Cork and CIT Cork School of Music, as she studied under Adrian Petcu.

She also teamed up with her father, who plays traditional Irish music, and performed in care homes and hospitals in Cork.

“I don’t know what would have happened [if I didn’t move]. I’ve been so lucky in Cork. My dad would have spent summers and stuff in Ireland, and he kind of felt like it was home and had it in his mind that he wanted to move some day,” she says.

Though she has lived in Germany for three years, Mairead still admires the musical heritage of Ireland.

“I think it’s incredible. That is one of the best things about Ireland and that’s why so many tourists come here. They come to see music, dancing … I think it needs to be supported a lot more.”

She is excited about performing at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, which takes place in Bantry, Co Cork, from 30 June to 8 July.

“I grew up going there every year and I remember being inspired by all of the artists playing there and all the concerts. It’s filled with world-class musicians, with concerts all day long in beautiful venues.

“I was really honoured to be invited to play there last year, and this year. It’s just a wonderful place and Bantry is just beautiful,” she says. “Irish audiences are really special. It’s a nice vibe.”

Though Mairead simply describes performing in Carnegie Hall in 2015 as “nice”, but gushes about her work with other musicians.

“I think my favourite thing about music is I’m working with and meeting different people all the time. You always learn something from everyone you play with. I’m inspired by my colleagues,” she says.

Putting in around five hours of practice every day, Mairead says young musicians must be committed to their craft. “Sometimes it can be difficult. Even now I sometimes have trouble motivating myself in the morning,” she says. “Practice is important of course, but the most important is listening to as many concerts as you can. Listen to as many concerts and as many types of music as possible. Listen to jazz, listen to rock, trad … like anything.

“Just do things. Get outside, take a walk. Try to get as much inspiration from the world outside.”

With performances in Ireland, the Netherlands, France and Germany lined up, Mairead has a busy summer ahead and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“At the moment I’m just trying to keep an open mind, but I think what’s great about music is you aren’t confined to one particular grouping. You are always doing lots of different things. Basically, I’d like to carry on what I’m doing at the moment,” she concludes.

Mairead Hickey will perform at the 2017 West Cork Chamber Music Festival, which takes place in Bantry, Co Cork, from 30 June to 8 July. On 2 July in Bantry House, she will perform alongside Christopher Marwood and Huw Watkins, performing the Brahms Trio in B flat Op.8 for the Irish Premiere appearance of the Pacifica Quartet. She will be one the musicians performing Schubert’s Octet in F major D.803 in St Brendan’s Church on 7 July and she will also perform at the Festival’s Finale in Bantry House on 8 July. Full details of the 2017 West Cork Chamber Music Festival are on www.westcorkmusic.ie of LoCall 1850-788789. CL