Category Archives: News

Seán Tester – Recipient of the BVOF | RIAM John Pollard Bursary A tenor from Drogheda, Co. Louth, Seán studied Drama, Dance and Singing at the Drogheda School of Performing Arts and has a strong background in choral singing as a dedicated member of St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir, Drogheda. In recent years, Seán’s vocalContinue reading “Sean Tester – Guest Tenor”

Pianist and Conductor  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”

2024 Bursary Award Recipient Donncha McDonagh is a baritone and choral conductor from Dublin. He began full-time studies at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 2023 with Dr Imelda Drumm, having grown up singing in Piccolo Lasso children’s choir under Dr Ite O’Donovan. Donncha has sung with ensembles including Sestina in Belfast and theContinue reading “Donncha McDonagh – Baritone”

2024 Bursary Award Recipent Emma Power is a mezzo-soprano hailing from Waterford. They have recently completed the Masters of Music Performance Program at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, studying with Dr Imelda Drumm and Dr Dearbhla Collins. Emma received their BMus from MTU Cork in 2014 where they studied with Mary MacSweeney and AlanContinue reading “Emma Power – Mezzo Soprano”

Bursary Award Recipient 2024 At just 20 years old, Eva Kavanagh has already gained a significant number of achievements. Beginning with accolades like the RIAM High Achiever Award in 2024 and the title of ‘Carlow College of Music Student of the Year 2022’, Eva’s talent has shone brightly from the start of her vocal studies.Continue reading “Eva Kavanagh – Soprano”

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 “Annual Bursary Awards Concert”

With Christmas upon us, we have to share John McCormack’s 1926 recording of Adeste Fideles. In the choir is a young Richard Crooks who went on to have a distinguished career as a lead tenor at the Metropolitan Opera. This is the second recording of the song that John recorded. An earlier version was madeContinue reading “Happy Christmas!”

Boyu Liu from Heilongjiang (China) developed a love of classical music at an early age and started singing lessons when he was sixteen years old. He won many prizes at high school and at Harbin University. Boyu won the Vincent O’Brien Cup during the 2023 Feis Ceoil. Boyu completed the Access Course at The RoyalContinue reading “Boyu Liu, 2023 Bursary Recipient”

Aimee Kearney is a light operatic soprano currently studying vocal performance on the professional mentorship scheme with Virginia Kerr and Andrew Synnott at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin. In addition to her performances as a classical soloist, she sings chamber music, opera and choral music. Aimee has starred as ‘Dominic the prince’ inContinue reading “Aimee Kearney, 2023 Bursary Recipient”

We had a wonderful turnout at the Mansion House, Dublin for our annual Bursary Awards Concert. Held in the Oak Room, we were delighted to hear the recipients, Aimee Kearney, Ruby Boland and Boyu Liu perform a selection of songs from their popular and classical repertoire. A filmed performance by each of the singers willContinue reading “John McCormack Bursary Awards Concert at the Mansion House”