Our 2026 series of spring talks concluded with Michael McDermott delivering a universally praised journey through his favourite tunes from musicals, opera and popular song. The dates for our autumn series of talks have now been confirmed: Details for the talks have yet to be confirmed. We wish all Society members a lovely and peacefulContinue reading “Autumn season of talks confirmed”
Author Archives: John McCormack Society
Favourite Pieces of the Past
Join us next Saturday, the 9 May, for a captivating illustrated talk led by Michael McDermott, in which he guides us through twenty carefully chosen pieces drawn from the great operatic repertoire, the concert hall, and the broader world of classical and popular song. The talk also pays tribute to the legendary Irish tenor JohnContinue reading “Favourite Pieces of the Past”
Thomas Moore’s Irish Melodies
We are delighted to welcome our Chairperson, James McCreanor, to deliver our next spring talk that takes place on Saturday 11 April at 11am in Buswells Hotel. James’ talk will explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Thomas Moore, one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets and songwriters. Born in Dublin in 1779, Moore captivatedContinue reading “Thomas Moore’s Irish Melodies”
Robert White 1936 – 2026
We were saddened to hear of the passing of the tenor, Robert White. He was a great friend to the Society. His lifelong devotion to the music of John McCormack kept that great tradition alive for new generations of listeners on both sides of the Atlantic. Robert was born and raised in the Bronx, NewContinue reading “Robert White 1936 – 2026”
THE GREAT COMPOSERS: FROM HANDEL TO KORNGOLD
We’re delighted to welcome back David Clarke for our next talk on Saturday, March 14th, at 11am in Buswells Hotel. David’s talk will be a journey through time, an exploration of operatic brilliance spanning from the grandeur of the Baroque to the rich colors of Modernism. Beginning with the noble architecture of George Frideric HandelContinue reading “THE GREAT COMPOSERS: FROM HANDEL TO KORNGOLD”
Spring Talks
Our spring talks commence on Saturday the 14th February. The other three talks in the series will take place on the following dates: March 14 – Jim Ryan Aprils 11 – David Clarke May 9 – Michael McDermot Martin Dwan, the producer and director of the The Peoples’ Tenor, the critically acclaimed documentary on theContinue reading “Spring Talks”
Happy Christmas to All
2025 was a very busy year for the Society. We had some wonderful talks during our spring and autumn seasons and our annual bursary concert at the Royal Irish Academy of Music once more revealed the strength in depth of young singers in our country. We look forward to meeting familiar and new faces inContinue reading “Happy Christmas to All”
John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers
Pat O’Reilly’s upcoming talk on the 6th December, John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers, offers a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Ireland’s most celebrated tenor. Blending rich historical detail with engaging anecdote, Pat will explore McCormack’s remarkable recordings, extensive travels, celebrated concert career, and the critical acclaim that followed himContinue reading “John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers”
Humour in the history of sound recording
We’re delighted to welcome back Gordon Ledbetter for our November talk. Gordon outlines below what attendees can expect. Humour in the history of sound recording, looks at humour in its widest sense and how it has reflected society’s tastes and mores. It is not true to say Caruso in the early 1900s made the gramophone. He certainlyContinue reading “Humour in the history of sound recording”
Annual Bursary Concert
What a wonderful night was had at the Royal Irish Academy of Music where our bursary recipients delivered memorable performances of pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Handel, our own Michael William Balfe, and many others. We were delighted that members of the McCormack family were able to join us and take part in the concert, withContinue reading “Annual Bursary Concert”
John McCormack Society 