Vocal Department
Owen Gilhooly - Tenor/ Director
© Frances Marshall Photography
Owen Gilhooly studied with Jean Holmes at the Limerick School of Music and subsequently at the Royal College of Music and National Opera Studio. He made his Royal Opera House debut singing Faure Requiem for the Royal Ballet and represented Ireland at the 2007 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World. He is currently pursing doctoral studies at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he was recently appointed to the vocal faculty.
He has appeared in principal roles with Opera Ireland, Opera Theatre Company, English Touring Opera, Lyric Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera North, The Opera Group and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. He has made frequent appearances at Wexford Festival Opera, Lismore Music Festival, Buxton Festival Opera, Les Azuriales Opera & Musikverkstatt Wien.
In concert he has appeared with the RTÉ NSO, IBO, Irish Chamber and Ulster Orchestras, the Bournemouth and Tokyo Symphony Orchestras, the Royal Liverpool and London Philharmonic Orchestras as well as the BBC Symphony Orchestra including Bill Bobstay (HMS Pinafore) and Janacek's Osud at the BBC Proms.
In 2014 made his debut for the Royal Opera, Covent Garden singing the role of Robert in the world premiere of Luke Bedford’s ‘Through his Teeth’
Having had a successful career as a high baritone, Owen’s voice has now moved into the tenor range with focus on lyric repertoire such as Macduff (Macbeth), Don Jose (Carmen), Lensky (Eugene Onegin), Cavarasdossi (Tosca).
Recent and future plans include Jenkins The Armed Man RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Mozart Requiem Culwick Choral Society, Lensky Eugene Onegin, A Nations Song 1916-2016, Military Bands of the Defence Forces, Gaston La Traviata, Britten St Nicholas with Tallaght Choral Society, A Recital of Dvorak and Brahms Lieder with Irish Songmakers at the NCH in 2018 as well the world premiere production of the new opera The Nightingale and the Rose.
www.owengilhooly.com
www.riam.ie/owen-gilhooly/
Helen Houlihan - Soprano
Helen has enjoyed a busy career in the singing world performing regularly in concert, recital, opera and oratorio. On the concert and recital platform has performed at several of the leading Arts Festivals most notably at Belfast Festival at Queens, Galway arts festival, the Fortune theatre London, the National Concert Hall, the Bank of Ireland concert series, and John field room recital series.
She has worked with Opera Ireland, Wexford Opera, and Opera Theatre Company, and in London at the Holland Park Opera Festival. Helen has been a guest soloist with the RTE Concert orchestra on a number of occasions, both in live performance and in studio broadcast. She recorded the sound track for the Frank McGuiness play “The Carthaginians”, and has appeared as a guest soloist on several live television shows.
Helen has trained with Jean Holmes in Limerick, and in London with Paul Hamburger, James Lockhart, and David Harper.
Louise Harrison - Mezzo - Soprano
Louise studied with Jean Holmes and Dr Veronica Dunne. She graduated with distinction in vocal performance from Trinity College London (A.T.C.L and L.T.C.L), has a Masters in Ethnomusicology and a BA in Music and English. While studying, Louise worked as a Bunratty Castle Entertainer, set up her own wedding business as a ceremony soloist throughout Ireland, recorded and toured the USA, Europe, the UK and Ireland with Anúna.
Since receiving an MA in Journalism, she now combines writing as a freelance Journalist with teaching voice in Mary Immaculate College ,The Redemptorist Centre of Music & the MWVA.
Shirley Keane - Mezzo Soprano / Drama Tutor
Having had training in both theatre and opera, at Rose Bruford College, Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, Shirley Keane is a performer whose experience ranges from traditional and contemporary opera roles to mainstream theatre.
A singer and actress of wide experience she has worked as a director, teacher and mentor with companies as diverse as Glyndebourne Opera, Live Music Now, Accademia Solti Te Kanawa, Birkbeck University, The Royal Festival Hall, Royal Academy of Music summer school, Newham Young Peoples’ Chorus, Half Moon Young People’s Theatre Co., and East End Opera.
A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Shirley is currently on the teaching staff of The Guildhall School of Music. A facilitator at ease with the very young and the very young at heart, Shirley has written, produced and directed projects that involve communities, professional artists and which incorporate any number of elements from spoken word to orchestral. Her work at Guildhall is predominantly with undergraduate and post-graduate singers delivering acting classes and directing opera scenes in addition to workshops in performance with instrumentalists. Working with composer Helgi Rafn Ingavarrsson, Shirley recently devised the site specific production of his opera Evariste with a chamber ensemble of musicians and singers for the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House. Most recently she has run performance workshops for the young women conductors master classes led by conductor Alice Farnham in the UK.
She is very much looking forward to re-engaging with the vibrant arts culture in the Limerick region including a number of start-up projects with Owen Gilhooly and the Mid-West Vocal Academy & Music School.
A singer and actress of wide experience she has worked as a director, teacher and mentor with companies as diverse as Glyndebourne Opera, Live Music Now, Accademia Solti Te Kanawa, Birkbeck University, The Royal Festival Hall, Royal Academy of Music summer school, Newham Young Peoples’ Chorus, Half Moon Young People’s Theatre Co., and East End Opera.
A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Shirley is currently on the teaching staff of The Guildhall School of Music. A facilitator at ease with the very young and the very young at heart, Shirley has written, produced and directed projects that involve communities, professional artists and which incorporate any number of elements from spoken word to orchestral. Her work at Guildhall is predominantly with undergraduate and post-graduate singers delivering acting classes and directing opera scenes in addition to workshops in performance with instrumentalists. Working with composer Helgi Rafn Ingavarrsson, Shirley recently devised the site specific production of his opera Evariste with a chamber ensemble of musicians and singers for the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House. Most recently she has run performance workshops for the young women conductors master classes led by conductor Alice Farnham in the UK.
She is very much looking forward to re-engaging with the vibrant arts culture in the Limerick region including a number of start-up projects with Owen Gilhooly and the Mid-West Vocal Academy & Music School.
Keyboard Department
Irina Dernova - Piano / Academy Accompanist
Irina Dernova graduated in Russia as a pianist and accompanist. Since she came to Ireland in 2006 she has been the organist in St.Nicholas church (Adare) and in St. Michael's church (Limerick). Being an organ scholar at St.Mary's Cathedral, she studies with Trevor Selby at the Limerick School of Music. Irina enjoys performing as solo pianist, organist and accompanist and also teaches piano in Maoin Cheoil an Chlair (Ennis) and privately.
Michael Laffan - Piano
A Limerick native, and alumnus of Lisnagry NS (in Owen’s class even), Michael graduated in music from UCC, specializing in jazz piano and classical performance, along with bodhran and contemporary music. From there, he moved to Scotland, pursing a career in teaching and performing. While maintaining a busy private practice of teaching guitar and piano, he studied for a PGCE from Edinburgh University, and progressed from secondary teaching to lecturing in popular music at Jewel and Ask Valley College, Edinburgh. There he taught keyboards, composition, promotion, live band performance and music business, and also pursued a busy performance schedule with function bands, and original rock band projects, touring Ireland and Scotland with The Nucleotides, and Employee of the Month, and recording, writing and touring with Talitha MacKenzie.
He then moved to the US with his American wife, studying piano tuning in Canada, spending the next number of years tuning and rebuilding pianos in North Carolina, and raising a young family. He also reignited an interest in Irish music, studying and playing guitar and bodhran at local sessions there and ceili dances. Returning to Limerick recently to allow his children attend Gaelscoil, he has joined the music faculty at Glenstal, and the Mid-West Vocal Academy & Music School. He has a new band, My Favorite House, and has enjoyed recent performances with the CoMA, a Limerick based contemporary music ensemble. He also sings, tunes piano and accompanies with Limerick choir Ancor.
Michael brings very broad experience to his teaching, be it classical, jazz, popular or traditional Irish, enjoys working with young people, and watching their music and talent unfold. He is also available for tuning their pianos.
A Limerick native, and alumnus of Lisnagry NS (in Owen’s class even), Michael graduated in music from UCC, specializing in jazz piano and classical performance, along with bodhran and contemporary music. From there, he moved to Scotland, pursing a career in teaching and performing. While maintaining a busy private practice of teaching guitar and piano, he studied for a PGCE from Edinburgh University, and progressed from secondary teaching to lecturing in popular music at Jewel and Ask Valley College, Edinburgh. There he taught keyboards, composition, promotion, live band performance and music business, and also pursued a busy performance schedule with function bands, and original rock band projects, touring Ireland and Scotland with The Nucleotides, and Employee of the Month, and recording, writing and touring with Talitha MacKenzie.
He then moved to the US with his American wife, studying piano tuning in Canada, spending the next number of years tuning and rebuilding pianos in North Carolina, and raising a young family. He also reignited an interest in Irish music, studying and playing guitar and bodhran at local sessions there and ceili dances. Returning to Limerick recently to allow his children attend Gaelscoil, he has joined the music faculty at Glenstal, and the Mid-West Vocal Academy & Music School. He has a new band, My Favorite House, and has enjoyed recent performances with the CoMA, a Limerick based contemporary music ensemble. He also sings, tunes piano and accompanies with Limerick choir Ancor.
Michael brings very broad experience to his teaching, be it classical, jazz, popular or traditional Irish, enjoys working with young people, and watching their music and talent unfold. He is also available for tuning their pianos.
String Department
Eoghan Judge - Guitar / Electric Guitar
Traditional Music Department
Sean O' Dálaigh - Fiddle, Guitar, Bodhran
Sean was born into a musical family of 7 and so began playing music from a very young age. He first started learning the fiddle from his older brother but began going to lessons with Paula McMahon at the age of 7. From very early on Sean began sitting into sessions in his local area and so was constantly surrounded by music. At the age of 13 he began teaching himself how to play the guitar, the bodhran and also began singing. Since then Sean began performing in many different shows all over Ireland and abroad.
In 2010 he began his studies in the BA Irish Music and Dance from which he graduated with a first class honours degree. During his time here studied music under master musicians such as Siobhan Peoples, Michael O' Suilleabhan, Tola Custy, Niall Keegan, Niamh Dunne and many more. He also studied music from many different cultures such as Swedish, Scottish, English and even Indian Folk music, which hugely developed his fiddle playing.
Since starting his studies Sean has been part of many musical projects like Third Space Ensemble; a group which fused Irish Traditional Music with Indian Classical music, Sean's Walk; a singer-songwriter trio for which Sean wrote all the songs, and his most recent project Hoodman Blind, a traditional Irish trio which aims to incorporate influences from many different musical traditions. Since graduating from the BA Sean's musical career as brought him to perform in many different countries such as America, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden and more.
In 2010 he began his studies in the BA Irish Music and Dance from which he graduated with a first class honours degree. During his time here studied music under master musicians such as Siobhan Peoples, Michael O' Suilleabhan, Tola Custy, Niall Keegan, Niamh Dunne and many more. He also studied music from many different cultures such as Swedish, Scottish, English and even Indian Folk music, which hugely developed his fiddle playing.
Since starting his studies Sean has been part of many musical projects like Third Space Ensemble; a group which fused Irish Traditional Music with Indian Classical music, Sean's Walk; a singer-songwriter trio for which Sean wrote all the songs, and his most recent project Hoodman Blind, a traditional Irish trio which aims to incorporate influences from many different musical traditions. Since graduating from the BA Sean's musical career as brought him to perform in many different countries such as America, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden and more.
Arthur Stones - Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele, Guitar
Arthur Stones has been studying music from the age of 10, with his studies focusing on Classical and Traditional Irish music. By the age of 17, Arthur had completed his ABRSM exams in violin, RiAM exams in piano and SCT exams in tenor banjo.
Arthur also competed in the Fleadh Cheoil competitions taking home all Ireland medals in the miscellaneous, banjo and mandolin competitions, at both underage and senior level.
Arthur continued his studies at the University of limerick, completing his Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree in Irish Music Performance at the Irish World Academy of Music.
Aside from his studies, Arthur has been touring extensively with his band Ruaile Buaile, playing at festivals and concerts across Ireland, America, Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
Arthur also competed in the Fleadh Cheoil competitions taking home all Ireland medals in the miscellaneous, banjo and mandolin competitions, at both underage and senior level.
Arthur continued his studies at the University of limerick, completing his Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree in Irish Music Performance at the Irish World Academy of Music.
Aside from his studies, Arthur has been touring extensively with his band Ruaile Buaile, playing at festivals and concerts across Ireland, America, Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
Wind Department
Niamh Irwin - Flute, Recorder, Piano
Niamh Irwin is an accomplished flute, recorder and piano player. She has competed at local Feile Luimni competitions and Feis Ceoil, as well as completing ABRSM exams in her chosen instruments and theory, and most recently diplomas in big performance and teaching. Locally Niamh is a member of the University of Limerick Orchestra and Mary Immaculate College Choral society, as well as being the choir director of the Monaleen Parish choir.
Niamh is a final year music student in Mary Immaculate College, and has recently undertaken study abroad placements in both San Antonio, Texas and Clermont-Ferrand , France. Over the past year Niamh has taken part in many orchestras and choirs internationally which include the UIW chorale and cardinal singers, UIW orchestra, Orchestre d’Harmonie Clermont Ferrand and BISYOC.
Niamh is a final year music student in Mary Immaculate College, and has recently undertaken study abroad placements in both San Antonio, Texas and Clermont-Ferrand , France. Over the past year Niamh has taken part in many orchestras and choirs internationally which include the UIW chorale and cardinal singers, UIW orchestra, Orchestre d’Harmonie Clermont Ferrand and BISYOC.
Harp Department
Dr Janet Harbison
Janet Harbison was born in Dublin in 1955 and came to early prominence as a classical pianist as well as a traditional Irish harp player. At Trinity College Dublin, the Dublin College of Music and Cork University, she studied performance, composition and conducting.
By 1981, she had won every national Irish harp competition including the All Ireland Championship and a number of international prizes including the Isle of Man Millennium Competition and Festival International de laHarpe Celtique.
After some years of performing world-wide and composing film music, she became involved in working with music toward peace in Northern Ireland. In 1984, she was awarded a Research Fellowship at the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen’s University where her doctoral research concerned the Irish harp in Irish life and politics in the late 18th century.
Her wish to bring the old Irish harp music to a world audience, as well as to bring musicians together in the divided community of Northern Ireland, lead to the formation of the Belfast Harp Orchestra in 1992. Over 10 years, the orchestra undertook many concert tours of Ireland, the UK, America and Europe, winning a Grammy Award with the Chieftains and many prizes for their work in Peace and Reconciliation.
Janet Harbison was born in Dublin in 1955 and came to early prominence as a classical pianist as well as a traditional Irish harp player. At Trinity College Dublin, the Dublin College of Music and Cork University, she studied performance, composition and conducting.
By 1981, she had won every national Irish harp competition including the All Ireland Championship and a number of international prizes including the Isle of Man Millennium Competition and Festival International de laHarpe Celtique.
After some years of performing world-wide and composing film music, she became involved in working with music toward peace in Northern Ireland. In 1984, she was awarded a Research Fellowship at the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen’s University where her doctoral research concerned the Irish harp in Irish life and politics in the late 18th century.
Her wish to bring the old Irish harp music to a world audience, as well as to bring musicians together in the divided community of Northern Ireland, lead to the formation of the Belfast Harp Orchestra in 1992. Over 10 years, the orchestra undertook many concert tours of Ireland, the UK, America and Europe, winning a Grammy Award with the Chieftains and many prizes for their work in Peace and Reconciliation.
Aisling Lyons
Aisling was born and reared near Newmarket on Fergus in County Clare. From an early age, she had a fond interest in Traditional Irish Music, having come from a family steeped in Irish music and culture. John Lyons, her Father is a renowned traditional singer, brother of Tim Lyons, a great songwriter and singer, both hailing originally from County Cork. Likewise her Mother, Ann Lynch Lyons, who released her debut album a few year ago, on which Aisling features (Silvery Light, 2013).
Aisling began playing the harp at 7, then began learning the concertina at age 9. She has had some of the finest tuition this country has to offer; Noel Hill, Mary McNamara, Fionnuala Rooney to name but a few. She is now a competant performer and plays with her family, friends and individually around the country and abroad. The Lyons Family performed at The Sidmouth Folk Festival in 2013, Whitby Folk Festival 2014 & Whitby Folk Festival 2015.
Aisling recently travelled to Yass, Sydney & Canberra, Australia where she taught masterclasses and performed at The Turning Wave Festival. (2015). Aisling and her brother Sean (Uilleann Pipes), played for the Irish Ambassador in Canberra at The Irish Embassy & also at Floriade Spring Festival in Canberra for The National Folk Festival.
Aisling is the holder of 5 All-Ireland Fleadh Ceoil harp titles, an All-Ireland Céilí Band title with a junior Tulla Céilí Band, whom she played the drums with, a Grúpa Ceoil title with The Burren Group under the leadership of Garry Shannon, and is the All Ireland concertina champion under18. (2014)
Some of the recordings she features on include John & Tim Lyons album, 'Easy & Bold' (2012), 'Silvery Light' (2013) & a compilation album of East Clare Young Musicians, 'Unfolding' (2014). Aisling released her debut 5 track EP (extended play) in August 2015, where it was greatly received in the UK & AUS. It is available through Custy's Music Shop, Ennis, Co.Clare. (www.custysmusic.com)
Aisling hosts an open-to-all-ages, welcoming session in Dolans Bar in Limerick City every Monday night form 7.30pm to 9.15pm. This session allows musicians, singers and dancers of all ages to participate at their own level. See www.dolans.ie/traditional-irish-music/ for details.
Aisling is currently studying for her BA in Irish Traditional Music & Dance at The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance at The University of Limerick.
www.aislinglyonsmusic.com
Aisling was born and reared near Newmarket on Fergus in County Clare. From an early age, she had a fond interest in Traditional Irish Music, having come from a family steeped in Irish music and culture. John Lyons, her Father is a renowned traditional singer, brother of Tim Lyons, a great songwriter and singer, both hailing originally from County Cork. Likewise her Mother, Ann Lynch Lyons, who released her debut album a few year ago, on which Aisling features (Silvery Light, 2013).
Aisling began playing the harp at 7, then began learning the concertina at age 9. She has had some of the finest tuition this country has to offer; Noel Hill, Mary McNamara, Fionnuala Rooney to name but a few. She is now a competant performer and plays with her family, friends and individually around the country and abroad. The Lyons Family performed at The Sidmouth Folk Festival in 2013, Whitby Folk Festival 2014 & Whitby Folk Festival 2015.
Aisling recently travelled to Yass, Sydney & Canberra, Australia where she taught masterclasses and performed at The Turning Wave Festival. (2015). Aisling and her brother Sean (Uilleann Pipes), played for the Irish Ambassador in Canberra at The Irish Embassy & also at Floriade Spring Festival in Canberra for The National Folk Festival.
Aisling is the holder of 5 All-Ireland Fleadh Ceoil harp titles, an All-Ireland Céilí Band title with a junior Tulla Céilí Band, whom she played the drums with, a Grúpa Ceoil title with The Burren Group under the leadership of Garry Shannon, and is the All Ireland concertina champion under18. (2014)
Some of the recordings she features on include John & Tim Lyons album, 'Easy & Bold' (2012), 'Silvery Light' (2013) & a compilation album of East Clare Young Musicians, 'Unfolding' (2014). Aisling released her debut 5 track EP (extended play) in August 2015, where it was greatly received in the UK & AUS. It is available through Custy's Music Shop, Ennis, Co.Clare. (www.custysmusic.com)
Aisling hosts an open-to-all-ages, welcoming session in Dolans Bar in Limerick City every Monday night form 7.30pm to 9.15pm. This session allows musicians, singers and dancers of all ages to participate at their own level. See www.dolans.ie/traditional-irish-music/ for details.
Aisling is currently studying for her BA in Irish Traditional Music & Dance at The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance at The University of Limerick.
www.aislinglyonsmusic.com
Siobhán Brady
Siobhan Brady of Castletroy, Limerick is an accomplished and experienced harper at a high
level for her young years. She studied traditional harp under the direction of Dr. Janet
Harbison and has participated as a senior player in her Irish Youth Harp Orchestra (IYHO)
and will tour with the professional touring production, the Irish Harp Orchestra, who will
perform in the Munich Philharmonic Hall in December 2017.
In 2013, Siobhan performed as the harper in a traditional music group that reached the final in the Gael Linn Siamsa competition in the National Concert Hall which was televised on TG4. And, in 2014, she was a senior member of the massed international harp orchestra that performed Janet Harbison’s ‘Brian Boru Lion of Ireland’ production at the Brian Boru Millennium Festival in
St.Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick – celebrated in the media as one of the most spectacular and
historical events ever held there.
As a member of the Irish Youth Harp Orchestra, Siobhan has performed in halls including the University Concert Hall (as the supporting act for De Dannan 2015), the Waterfront Hall in Belfast for the Belfast Harp Festival 2012 and with theAjen-Bordeaux Harp Ensemble in the Bordeaux City Theatre 2013. As a member of The Harbison Harp Quartet, Siobhan performed on the BBC Northern Ireland Arts Show 2015.
Siobhan is a graduate of Phase 1 of the Irish Harp College training and has also completedher Level 1 Teacher Training, for which she will be formally certified in 2017. From 2015, she has completed Janet Harbison’s ‘Entertainer Training’ in 2015 performing frequently at
wedding receptions, ceremonies and various corporate events since then. Also since 2015, she has served as Assistant Tutor at Dr Harbison’s Summer-Schools. Siobhan is also an accomplished pianist having completed her grades in Piano and Theory at
the Limerick School Of Music. Within the past 2 years, she won the O’Byrne Cup (advanced piano at recital standard), ‘Silver Prize’ in senior piano, and ‘Silver Prize’ in senior chamber music at Feile Luimni.
Siobhan Brady of Castletroy, Limerick is an accomplished and experienced harper at a high
level for her young years. She studied traditional harp under the direction of Dr. Janet
Harbison and has participated as a senior player in her Irish Youth Harp Orchestra (IYHO)
and will tour with the professional touring production, the Irish Harp Orchestra, who will
perform in the Munich Philharmonic Hall in December 2017.
In 2013, Siobhan performed as the harper in a traditional music group that reached the final in the Gael Linn Siamsa competition in the National Concert Hall which was televised on TG4. And, in 2014, she was a senior member of the massed international harp orchestra that performed Janet Harbison’s ‘Brian Boru Lion of Ireland’ production at the Brian Boru Millennium Festival in
St.Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick – celebrated in the media as one of the most spectacular and
historical events ever held there.
As a member of the Irish Youth Harp Orchestra, Siobhan has performed in halls including the University Concert Hall (as the supporting act for De Dannan 2015), the Waterfront Hall in Belfast for the Belfast Harp Festival 2012 and with theAjen-Bordeaux Harp Ensemble in the Bordeaux City Theatre 2013. As a member of The Harbison Harp Quartet, Siobhan performed on the BBC Northern Ireland Arts Show 2015.
Siobhan is a graduate of Phase 1 of the Irish Harp College training and has also completedher Level 1 Teacher Training, for which she will be formally certified in 2017. From 2015, she has completed Janet Harbison’s ‘Entertainer Training’ in 2015 performing frequently at
wedding receptions, ceremonies and various corporate events since then. Also since 2015, she has served as Assistant Tutor at Dr Harbison’s Summer-Schools. Siobhan is also an accomplished pianist having completed her grades in Piano and Theory at
the Limerick School Of Music. Within the past 2 years, she won the O’Byrne Cup (advanced piano at recital standard), ‘Silver Prize’ in senior piano, and ‘Silver Prize’ in senior chamber music at Feile Luimni.