Niall O'Riordan was awarded his MA and BMus from Cork School of Music, Ireland. During his early years and BMus Degree, he studied flute with southern Ireland's most important teacher Evelyn Grant. He is an experienced and passionate teacher and has tutored chamber music and flute at University College Cork, taught flute at Cork School of Music and privately for many years. He is also been regular assistant at the Oxford International Flute Summer School since 2006. He has been working as a flute specialist at all flutes plus for four years during which time he has developed a wealth of knowledge about the instrument. He works closely with the world’s leading flute manufactures. Niall practices Yoga and meditation is currently writing a book on applied yoga for flautists with the assistance of Anders Ljungar-Chapelon. He leads insightful and inspiring applied yoga for flautist’s workshops across Europe and the UK. You can see his website at www.niallflute.com.
Conal O GradaBorn in Cork in 1961, Conal Ó Gráda has long been at the forefront of traditional Irish flute-playing and truly has one of its most distinctive sounds. A multiple All Ireland winner in his youth, Conal’s debut recording ‘The Top of Coom’ in 1990 is still regarded as a seminal recording of flute-playing. Conal takes the basic elements of traditional music and forges them into a personal style which, once heard is unforgettable. His fast, rhythmically precise flute-playing has an earthy raucous tone reminiscent of the saxophone and is driven by a spirit from the true heart of traditional music. Conal has played, toured and recorded with many of the music’s leading exponents and it is with great excitement that we greet the news that his long overdue second recording ’Cnoc Buí’ has now been released.
fFlautist Eilís O'Sullivan graduated from the Cork School of Music and, as a scholarship student continued her studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. She graduated with B.A. (Hons) and M.Mus with Distinction.Eilís is much in demand as a solo, chamber and orchestral musician, having broadcast and toured extensively. As on orchestral player Eilis has performed with a number of orchestras including The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the two RTE Orchestras. Throughout her career she has been distinguished with many awards including the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, London and first prize in the Governor's Recital Prize Competition at the Royal Scottish Academy. Eilis has performed widely as a soloist with appearances varying from a performance for the Prince of Wales at Hollyrood Palace, Edinburgh to solo appearances at the main concert halls and music club venues throughout Ireland, Britain and Germany. Guest concerto engagements include performances in the United States, Scotland, and Ireland. Recent performances include solo recitals at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, St. Martin in the Fields, London and at the Sir Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire.Eilis is currently a lecturer at the Cork School of music, Ireland.
Irish pianist Ciara Moroney performs throughout Ireland and the UK, specialising in duo playing, chamber music and accompaniment. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Accompaniment from the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied with Andrew West, Michael Dussek and Colin Stone. During her studies there she won the Scott Huxley Prize for Piano Accompaniment and the Douglas Cameron Prize for duo playing, and has also participated in the prestigious Song Circle concert series. Since then she has worked as a trainee repetiteur at the Cardiff International Academy of Voice. Ciara began her studies in her native Cork and completed her BMus and MA degrees at the Cork School of Music, where her principal piano teacher was Jan Čàp. During this time she won many competitions and prizes, most notably winning the Yamaha Piano Scholarship in 2002. Ciara has appeared as soloist with the Cork School of Music Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Cork Symphony Orchestra, Wexford Sinfonia and the Kilkenny Youth Orchestra. She has performed at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival and in concerts with the Irish Youth Choir and the Cork Children’s Chorus, with whom she undertook a tour of Japan in July 2006.
Keenly interested in duo playing and chamber music, Ciara has worked with Keith Pascoe (violin), Brian O’Kane (cello), Louisa Dennehy (flute), Clare Southworth (flute) and Ian Clarke (flute) among others, and has collaborated with the RTÉ Vanbrugh and the Carducci string quartets. She also participated in Wexford Opera’s Young Artists Programme in 2006 which was run by Dennis O’Neill. Future plans include performances with in RTÉ Vanbrugh String Quartet and the Cork Symphony Orchestra.
Born in Bristol in 1977, Ian Mullin began flute lessons at the age of nine. Two years later he won a music scholarship to Bristol Cathedral School. During his school years Ian studied with Carole Jenner Timms and won places in both the National Youth Wind Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. In 1996 he was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music where he studied under the tutelage of Sebastian Bell, Jaime Martin and Keith Bragg (piccolo). In 1999 Ian joined the European Union Youth Orchestra for two years and was lucky enough to play under such conductors as Bernard Haitink, Sir Colin Davis and Vladamer Ashkanazy.
In 2000 he made his professional debut with Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He also met the film composer Michael Kamen performing ‘The Old Moon in the New Moon’s Arms’ a work for solo flute, cello and symphony orchestra. It was conducted by Leonard Slatkin in Dukes Hall RAM.
‘lan Mullin is one of the best flute players that I have ever met, worked with or heard… Some of the solos were seen by major players in Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC at the Kennedy Centre for the world premier and many players were unsure if it was playable. When lan saw it for the first time it leapt from his flute giving reality to my music in a brilliant musical fashion. I cannot recommend him highly enough, he is good company, very easy to work with and an incredible player.’
Michael Kamen 2001
Since leaving college Ian has performed as guest Principal Flute with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with London Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and London Metropolitan Orchestra. Ian has recently started and is the Director of an online company selling flutes, clarinets and saxophones called, Magic Frog Musical Instruments and is also training for his brown belt in Danzan Ryu Ju-Jitsu and trains three times a week (when he can find the time).
Pianist, Zoë Smith has worked extensively in the UK and internationally with both singers and instrumentalists. A graduate of Oxford University and the Royal Academy of Music, she has developed strong links with Mexico, where she frequently performs and teaches.
She has received prizes in song accompaniment and has also specialised in flute repertoire, working in masterclasses and recitals with many leading flautists including Alexa Still and Alain Marion, and recording three CDs for flute and piano. Since 1999 she has worked at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she is now Assistant Director of Music, teaching Piano Accompaniment and performing with many of the distinguished visiting artists.
Fiona Kelly is 22 years old and in her fourth year at Trinity College of Music, London where she studies with Anna Noakes. She began her studies at the Cork School of Music with Evelyn Grant and Sabine Ducrot.
This year Fiona was awarded the Royal Overseas League Sussex Prize. Last year she was awarded first prize in the Trinity College of Music Soloist’s competition, performing the Khachaturian Flute Concerto with TCM Symphony Orchestra in St. John’s Smith Square and Blackheath Halls. In 2005 she was a finalist in both the Camerata Ireland 'Young Musician' Competition and the Belfast Classical Music Bursary competition. The previous year she won The Raymond Kearns Bursary at Feis Ceoil Dublin and represented Ireland in the European Broadcasting Union Woodwind Competition.
Fiona has been invited to perform for the Irish President Mary McAleese, Rudi Giuliani (former Mayor of New York) and at Europe Day (live broadcast on Irish national radio station Lyric FM). She has performed in Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Finland and most recently on a tour of Japan with the Crawford Piano Trio as part of EU-Japan Fest.
Claire Iselin was born in France, in 1986 in Mulhouse, and began lessons on the harp with Mireille Crivelli when she was six years old. She studied the harp for eight years at the Conservatoire of Colmar and achieved her diploma with distinction (first class honours). She is currently continuing her studies on the BMus course at Trinity College of Music London with Gabriella Dall'Olio where she also has regular classes with Frances Kelly and Sioned Williams.
In 2004, she won second prize at the UFAM competition in Chaville, France and in 2007, she won the third prize in the chamber music category at the Camac Harp competition London and in 2008, she won second prize in solo category at the Camac Harp competition London. Claire has participated in courses and masterclasses with renowned harpists such as Mireille Crivelli, Beatrice Guillermin, Frances Kelly, Andrew Lawrence King, Geneviège Letang, Xavier De Maistre, Chantal Mathieu, Catherine Michel, Isabelle Moretti, Marielle Nordmann, Isabelle Olivier, Angel Padilla, Sue Rothstein and Sioned Williams. She has appeared as a soloist as well as in chamber ensembles including Sardanne and Arpege. Claire has gained substantial orchestral experience playing with semi-professional orchestras in France and England, and has participated regularly in orchestral concerts at Trinity College. Her professional orchestral work was with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Southbank Sinphonia and BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Sarah Newbold is a member of the Academy of St.Martin in- the- Fields and the New London Orchestra and formerly of both Welsh National Opera and the London Philharmonic. As a freelance player she works with most of the orchestras in Great Britain and regularly with the Philharmonia and London Symphony Orchestra. As a freelance flautist Sarah is able to work in a variety of musical styles ranging from opera, symphony and chamber orchestras, chamber music and recitals, to film sessions and some period instrument work.
Teaching plays an important part in Sarah's musical life, she has been a professor of flute at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama since 1989. In collaboration with Ian Clarke she redesigned the technical requirements for the woodwind at the Guildhall, this has led to invitations to present workshops at the "Reflective Conservatoire" conference at the Barbican, London and also the "Professional Development" Seminar in Helsinki, Finland. Together with Zoe Smith, piano, she is director of the Llangenny Flute Summer School, which, following the highly successful course this year, will become an annual event. Sarah is a regular coach for the National Youth Orchestra both for their open days and recently the main orchestra courses. She is sought after as an adjudicator and examiner, regularly gives masterclasses and recitals in Britain and more recently in Norway, Greece and Finland. Sarah Newbold studied the flute with Atarah Ben Tovim and Alan Lockwood at Huddersfield Polytechnic and with Peter Lloyd at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, she completed her studies at the National Centre for Orchestral Studies.
Emma Roche began her studies with Evelyn Grant in the Cork School of Music, where she was the recipient of many scholarships and prizes. She moved to Glasgow in 1995 to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama with David Nicholson. During her time at the RSAMD Emma attained several prizes including the John McGregor Flute Prize, the Governers’ Recital Prize, the Mary D. Adams Chamber Music Prize and the Sibelius Essay Prize. In 1999 she performed as a soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra as a finalist in the BBC2 Young Musician Competition. She was also a woodwind-class finalist in the RTE Millennium Musician of the Future Competition in Dublin. Emma has had recitals broadcast on BBC Radio2 and Lyric FM and has performed in Iceland, France and Germany as well as all around Ireland and Britain. Emma is a founder member of both the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra with whom she has recorded three albums, and the award winning Gliondar Ensemble wind quintet with whom she performs regularly throughout Scotland and Ireland. She also teaches flute in various schools around Scotland including St. Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh.
Michael Buckley "a talent that demands to be heard" - The Irish Times
Regarded as the most important and influential musician on the Irish jazz scene, saxophonist, flautist and composer Michael Buckley has been playing professionally since the age of six. Michael first came to prominence in 1984 when, aged thirteen, he played flute with the legendary saxophonist George Coleman in the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Though largely self-taught, his obvious talent was spotted at an early age and was nurtured by the legendary flute teacher Doris Keogh . Buckley has found his own unique voice not only on flute but also on tenor saxophone.
Now in his thirties, Buckley has performed and toured with The Mingus Big Band, Dave Liebman, John Abercrombie, Joey Baron, Jason Moran, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Edward Simon, Jason Robello, Pete King, Nils Wolgram, Barney McCall, Badal Roy, Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Grant Stewart, Ingrid Jensen, Guy Barker, Damon Brown, Kevin Dean, Perico Sambeat, Florian Ross, soloist with the BBC Big Band, Albert Sanz, Louis Stewart and Gerard Presencer among others.
“Buckley's growing maturity as a jazz musician of international stature is confirmed in this superb release”. Ray Comiskey " The Irish Times *****
“The creativity and internationality of Michael Buckleys music will reach around the world, bringing him and his music into prominence within the ever growing jazz community.” Benny Golson
"Michael Buckley is one of the most exciting musicians to arrive on the jazz scene in recent times. With a limitless vocabulary and a burnished tone, it’s apparent that he’s absorbed and discarded many influences on the road to fashioning a voice that is his alone. His rounded, humorous and multi-faceted concept reflects a profound understanding of the music’s history, and it is clear that he has the potential to have a dramatic impact on the music’s future. His is a talent that cannot be suppressed, a talent that demands to be heard" - The Evening Herald
Greg Burk was born on June 24, 1969 in Lansing Michigan. His father, an internationally active orchestral conductor and mother, opera singer, exposed him to music from an early age. At 16, Greg began working professionally as a pianist, composing and leading groups around Michigan. As a student, Greg was fortunate to study with Yusef Lateef, Archie Shepp, Sal Macchia, Roland Wiggins, George Russell, Danilo Perez, Paul Bley and Bob Moses. After living several years in Detroit, immersed in its fertile and supportive musical community, Greg moved to Boston. He completed his Masters at New England Conservatory, and began working around Boston and recording as a leader for the historic Soul Note/Blacksaint label in addition to the innovative 482 Music label. He has since performed and recorded with Frank Lacy, Steve Swallow, Jerry Bergonzi, Either/Orchestra, Benny Golson, Kenny Wheeler, Steve Grossman, Gerald Cleaver, Bob Moses, John Tchicai, Mulatu Astatke, Roberto Gatto, Famadou Don Moye, Luther Gray, Garrison Fewell, Michael Buckley, Peter King, George Garzone, Stephen Keogh, Dave Liebman, Michel Lambert, Pekka Pylkkanen, Henry Cook, Ettore Fioravanti, Rick Margitza and many others. In addition to his performance/recording activities, Greg is an active educator. He is currently on faculty at New York University’s music program in Florence, as well as a professor at the Conservatory of Music in Frosinone Italy. He taught at Berklee College of Music in Boston for five years. Greg has also given workshops in Italy, Ireland, England, Spain, the U.S., Ethiopia and Finland. Greg currently lives in Rome Italy with his wife Serena and two daughters Sonia and Maia. For more information, visit www.gregburk.com, http://www.myspace.com/gregburk
Flute and tinwhistle player Catherine McEvoy has her roots in Co. Roscommon, but was born in Birmingham, England. She is one of the most respected female musicians of her generation, and is much in demand for her teaching skills and performances.
She is a regular teacher at the Willie Clancy Summer School Co. Clare and at many festivals around the country. Her day job is teaching children with visual Impairment and special needs. Catherine moved to Dublin in 1977 and became part of the Dublin music scene. She was a regular in the famous "Four Seasons" pub in Chapel Street where the legendary John Kelly Sr. played, along with John Jr., James, Paddy O'Brien, Daithi Sproule and many others.
She was a member of the first all female group "Macalla" which also included Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh (Altan), Mary McNamara the concertina player from Tulla Co. Clare and Maire O'Keeffe (fiddle) from Kerry. Catherine's music has many influences, but the main one being the music of North Roscommon and South Sligo. The great flute player and bard Josie McDermott, Roger Sherlock, and Seamus Tansey all influenced Catherine to some degree. She is also a lover of the powerful music of Fred Finn and Peter Horan, as well as the more easy going music of the great Clare musicians. Catherine's first solo album made with piano player Felix Dolan from New York "Flute Music in the Roscommon Sligo Style", was voted number 1 in the best releases of traditional albums in the Irish Voice newspaper in 1996. In 2004, she released an album with her brother and fiddle player John McEvoy, "The Kilmore Fancy," and this recording was voted 3rd best release by the Irish Echo. Catherine also features on many other albums including "Flute Players of Roscommon Vol. I" being the only female to feature on this recording. She can also be heard on the "Wooden flute Obsession Series Vol. 1." She can be heard playing regularly in the Cobblestone Pub in Smithfield Dublin.
Catherine resides in Co. Meath with her husband Tom, also a flute player, and her children Jane, Ruairi, and Fergus who are also fine young musicians