Category Archives: News

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”

Bursary Concert Accompanist  Pianist and conductor Niall Kinsella has established himself as one of Ireland’s most exciting, versatile and sought-after musicians. He has been described as “a meticulous collaborator” (BBC Music Magazine) and “a first-class calling card as a knowledgeable and profound song accompanist” (Merker, Austria). He has performed as a song-accompanist extensively across Europe, in Austria, France, Spain, Hungary, Czech-Republic, Italy and UnitedContinue reading “Niall Kinsella”

2025 Bursary Recipient Sinéad Cosgrove is from Dunleer, Co.Louth. She started singing lessons when she was 8 with Geraldine McGee in Dundalk and then in 2017 studied under Ronnie Dunne until her passing.  She currently works full time in Finance and is a part time student under Imelda Drumm. She has sung in choirs fromContinue reading “Sinéad Cosgrove”

Come join us for a night of musical talent at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Witness the next generation of performers showcase their wonderful talents. It’s a night filled with performances of opera, classical repertoire, ballads, beautiful melodies and a guest performer. Don’t miss out on this special event celebrating the legacy of John McCormack! Register for your FREE TICKETS here.Continue reading “John McCormack Bursary Concert 2025”

1. Autumn Talks The dates for our talks are as follows: Date Time Presenter Title 13th September 11am David Clarke Music to Inspire and Soothe 8th November 11am Gordon Ledbetter Humour in the History of Sound Recording 6th December 11am Pat O’Reilly John McCormack sings songs of Poets and Composers  As you’ll have noticed, we’re onlyContinue reading “Autumn Season”

This recording of Adeste Fideles was made in 1915. It features the Canadian tenor Harry McDonough, the American baritone, Reinald Werrenrath, and the bass, Irish American William F. Hooley. Although John McCormack made a technically superior recording of Adeste Fideles in 1926 as a result of the arrival of electrical recording our preference is theContinue reading “Happy Christmas”

We’re delighted to welcome the return of our Vice-Chairman, David Clarke, for another one of his excellent talks that feature recordings from the wellknown to the obscure. A few new gems are always unearthed. Although the title suggests the selection of music with be focused on the Irish tenor, this is not so. David’s talkContinue reading “A Tribute to John McCormack”

What a wonderful evening in the Whyte Recital Hall at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. The future of Irish classical singing looks very bright. Thank you to Niall Kinsella, Eva Kavanagh, Emma Power, Donncha McDonagh and Seán Tester for a concert to remember. Attendees went home smiling. Let’s not forget our President, Gordon Ledbetter,Continue reading “Great night at the Whyte Recital Hall”

John McCormack was born on this day in 1884. His lyric tenor voice, characterised by warmth, purity, and impeccable diction was combined with a technical precision and emotional expressiveness that made him one of the most compelling artists of the 20th century. John’s English language recording of Handel’s ‘Care selve’ from Atalanta (‘Come my Beloved’)Continue reading “John McCormack’s Birthday”