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Hi All,
Craig here, our “Summer Time” is half way there. I wanted to take a moment to recognise some of the notable achievements of our wonderful teachers. So in no particular order…….
Aimee Kearney was the lead role in the Irish premiere of Elisabeth Maconchy’s opera ‘The Sofa’, finalist in the Gervase Elwas in Feis Ceol, finalist in the Maura Dowdall concerto competition in RIAM, performer in the rising stars concert in UL concert and the Killaloe Music festival.
Niamh St John had roles in several operas with the National Opera, including Rossini’s William Tell, Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier and Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte.
Margot Mauriel participated in 3 RIAM philharmonic projects as principal clarinet (one in October one in February and one in March). Margot won the Feis Ceoil competition, the Senior wind McCullough cup and got highly recommended for chamber music in the chamber music cup. She also played at the Feis Ceoil gala at the end of April in the National concert hall and won the Jago Award bursary sponsored by RDS Dublin. Margot played in Chamberfest Dublin in April and played in a series of concerts for babies throughout the year.
Lorna Breen performed as part of Anùna in Mont St Michel, France (October), The Netherlands (December Tour), and Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud (April). She recently travelled to Iceland to partake in recording sessions for Anúna’s forthcoming album. Lorna is also a part of the group “Systir” who embarked on a full tour of the Netherlands & Belgium in April.
Andre Stokes performed in 3 concerts with the RIAM Philharmonia and appeared as concertmaster of the RIAM opera orchestra. He also performed at Chamberfest Dublin, and his septet group has been asked to perform at the national concert hall later this year!
Darren Loughran was invited to bring his classical guitar for a solo concert in Stockholm, Sweden, and had shows in Wexford and Dublin. He has a couple of solo concerts booked for Dublin in the Autumn
Tadhg Griffin should be no stranger to anyone, as he was part of the closing act on the Late Late Eurovision Show. Tadhg has also played several solo shows this year in Dublin City.
Congratulations to Siobhan Franks on the release of her debut single, and her first headline gig in Whelans.
It was a busy year for Phil MacMullan whose band the Yurodny Ensemble had several gigs at home and abroad this year, notably shows at the Cork Jazz Festival. Phil also had some interesting collaborations with international Jazz luminaries, with gigs planned for later this year and early next year.
Matt Mannion had an extremely busy year in the world of opera, performing in Maria Stuarda, Tosca, and Cosi fan Tutte and had roles in William Tell and Der Rosenkavalier. Matt also performed as a soloist with Carlow Choral Society and the Dublin Bach singers for their Messiahs and was a guest recitalist for Birr Festival of Music. This summer Matt has been selected as a fellow of the Opernfest Prague program and also was selected for an Opera Program to study with Bruno Caproni in Italy.
Emily Hogarty was a stalwart of the Lismore Opera Festival a month or so ago.
Siofra Nolan performed on the main stage at Forbidden Fruit festival, All Together Now, Electric Picnic and Latitude (UK). She has had sold out headline gigs in The Grand Social in Dublin, and a sold out London show with her band Cooks But We’re Chefs. Her band also had a sold out show at Cork Jazz in Saint Lukes last October. She very recently played Output Festival in Belfast and Bray Jazz Festival in late May. She provided backing vocals for Wild Youth on their Eurovision entry on the Late Late Show in February. Through The Dublin Gospel Choir, she sang alongside Picture This for their Electric Picnic performance last September. Siofra recently recorded in Black Mountain Studios and will be releasing new original music throughout the summer.
Rachel Murphy’s career as a solo artist is blossoming. Not only has she performed her first headline gigs, she also played at the Forbidden Fruit Festival. You’ll find Rachel on Spotify under the Moniker “Essiray”
I wanted to save the final words of praise for all of the students who sat music exams this year. I can’t mention anyone by name, but the numbers of excellent results was overwhelming, with Honours and Distinctions aplenty. But special mention to everyone who went through the process of sitting an exam. It’s a lot of hard work, long hours practicing the same pieces to perfection. Working towards a goal and achieving it is a real high-point in musical life, and I’d like to congratulate you all.
See you soon
Craig
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