Concert pianist Fiachra Garvey serves on the international jury for the 2026 Irish Freemasons Young Musician of the Year Competition, with finals scheduled for Saturday, October 10th.
Garvey recalls first piano earnings and spending evolution
Garvey recalled that his first paid piano work was performing a Chopin waltz on the Late Late Toy Show in 2000 at age 13, for which he received £100. Reflecting on his spending evolution since a 2016 festival trip to Spoleto, Italy—where he spent his entire fee on an outlet mall shopping spree—the 39-year-old musician stated he now maintains a more responsible saving and spending ratio.
Property Purchases And Domestic Expenses
The largest financial commitment for Garvey is his one-bedroom flat in London, purchased in 2023 for £189,000, alongside £45,000 to £50,000 in renovation costs. He noted that he avoids cryptocurrency and shares due to his parents’ experience losing savings on Eircom shares. For day-to-day household management, Garvey uses off-peak electricity rates by timing appliances to run between midnight and 7:30am using silent settings. He expressed satisfaction in owning more of the property each month and no longer paying a landlord.
Other Financial Habits and Purchases
At age 19 in 2007, Garvey bought a 2004 VW Polo, which remains his only car. He also mentioned buying a magnetic window cleaning tool for his top-floor Chiswick flat, though he found the magnets did not work through double-glazed windows. Regarding long-term planning, he started a pension two years ago due to the fear of being destitute as a self-employed person. He also noted that while he avoids gambling, he occasionally plays the lotto.
Questions About Fiachra Garvey and the 2026 Competition
When do the 2026 Irish Freemasons Young Musician finals take place?
The finals are scheduled for Saturday, October 10th, featuring concert pianist Fiachra Garvey among the international jury members.
How much was Garvey paid for his first television appearance?
He was paid £100 at age 13 for performing a Chopin waltz on the Late Late Toy Show in 2000.
What was Garvey’s largest property investment?
He purchased a flat in London in 2023 for £189,000 and invested an additional £45,000 to £50,000 into renovations.