Famous Irish Composers

Enya is an Irish composer and singer-songwriter renowned for her multi-layered vocals and instrumentation, incorporating Celtic influences into her music. She began her career playing with the folk band Clannad before embarking on a successful solo career in the early 1980s. Enya's unique sound, blending elements of various genres, gained international acclaim with albums like Watermark and Shepherd Moons. Her music, characterized by ethereal melodies and lush production, has sold millions of copies worldwide, solidifying her as a prominent figure in the music industry.

John Field was an Irish pianist, composer, and teacher credited as the creator of the nocturne. He studied under Muzio Clementi in London and became a renowned concert pianist. Field's decision to stay in St. Petersburg is linked to his role as a sales representative for Clementi Pianos. His playing and compositions influenced major composers like Mendelssohn, Chopin, and Liszt. Field made significant contributions to the Russian piano school through concerts and teaching. Notable students include Charles Mayer, Alexandre Dubuque, and Antoine de Kontski.

Cosmé McMoon was an accomplished pianist and composer, recognized for his work as the accompanist to soprano Florence Foster Jenkins. Despite Jenkins' lack of singing ability, McMoon supported her performances with skill and professionalism. He gained fame for his collaboration with Jenkins, becoming known for his dedication and adaptability as an accompanist. McMoon's musical talent and ability to complement Jenkins' unique style contributed significantly to their performances, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the music industry.

Seán Ó Riada was an influential Irish composer and arranger of traditional music, known for blending modern and traditional techniques. He worked as a music director at Radio Éireann and the Abbey Theatre before lecturing at University College Cork. He gained fame through his involvement in Ceoltóirí Chualann, compositions, and broadcasts. Notable works include classical pieces like Nomos No. 1: Hercules Dux Ferrariae and film scores for Mise Éire and Saoirse?. His legacy lives on through his ensemble Ceoltóirí Chualann and enduring mass compositions.

Charles Villiers Stanford composed a diverse range of works including symphonies, choral pieces, operas, concertos, chamber music, songs, piano compositions, and organ works. Known for technical mastery, Stanford's music ranged from ecclesiastical compositions to orchestral works incorporating Irish folk tunes. Despite criticism for lacking passion, his church music and some operas maintained popularity. His music, once forgotten, has seen a revival through recordings, with notable performances of his symphonies, concertos, and chamber works. The Charles Villiers Stanford Society continues to promote and support performances and recordings of his lesser-known works.

Victor Herbert was a versatile American composer, cellist, and conductor known for his successful operettas that premiered on Broadway. He was a prominent figure among Tin Pan Alley composers and a founder of ASCAP. Herbert had a prolific career, composing operas, operettas, orchestral music, band compositions, and more. He made significant contributions to the music world with works like Cello Concerto No. 2 and Auditorium Festival March. Herbert conducted the Pittsburgh Symphony and founded his own orchestra, leaving a lasting impact on American music history.

Turlough O'Carolan was a blind Celtic harper, composer, and singer in Ireland known for his exceptional talent in melodic composition. While not a traditional classical composer, he is regarded as a national composer in Ireland. He was highly influential among fellow harpers in the old Irish tradition, with some of his compositions reflecting a blend of continental classical music styles and traditional Gaelic harping. His work continues to be celebrated for its unique and enduring contribution to Irish music history.

Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore was an Irish-born American composer and military bandmaster. After moving to the United States in 1848, he established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. During his time serving in the Union Army in the U.S. Civil War, Gilmore wrote the famous song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" under the pseudonym Louis Lambert. He was known for his contributions to military music and his work as a conductor, composer, and arranger, leaving a lasting impact on American music history.

Eimear Noone is an accomplished Irish conductor and composer, renowned for her exceptional contributions to video game music. She has conducted prestigious orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic, and Sydney Symphony, among others. Noteworthy milestones include being the first woman to conduct at the Oscars and at the National Concert Hall in Dublin. A documentary by Krenshaw Films is in progress to highlight her remarkable career journey. Noone's talent and achievements have solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the music industry.

Jimmy Kelly is a former member of The Kelly Family, a European-American music group known for their rock, pop, and folk music spanning multiple languages. He contributed to the group's chart and concert success in continental Europe during the 1990s. With the band's ragamuffin image and nomadic lifestyle, they toured extensively in a double-decker bus and houseboat, showcasing their eclectic fashion sense. Following the group's breakup in 2000, Jimmy Kelly pursued a solo career and occasionally reunited with former bandmates for performances.

Eimear Quinn is an accomplished Irish singer and composer, renowned for her victory in the Eurovision Song Contest 1996 with the song "The Voice." Following this success, she has continued to make a significant impact in the music industry by touring worldwide, performing at various prestigious events, and releasing four albums. Notably, her most recent album, Ériu, showcases her talent and creativity, recorded in collaboration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and released in 2020. Eimear Quinn's professional journey exemplifies her dedication to music and her ability to captivate audiences globally.

Garret Wesley, 1st Earl of Mornington, was an accomplished Anglo-Irish politician and composer. He served as a Member of Parliament and held various political positions, contributing to the governance of both Great Britain and Ireland. Known for his musical talents, he composed a variety of works that showcased his creativity and skill. His professional life was marked by a successful and multifaceted career that left a lasting impact on the political and cultural landscape of his time.

Gemma Hayes is a versatile Irish musician, singer-songwriter, and composer. Known for her exceptional skills as a vocalist and guitarist, she also demonstrates proficiency in playing various instruments such as the piano and harmonica. In addition to her solo career, she is an active member of musical groups like The Cake Sale, Printer Clips, and Trio, where she collaborates with other talented artists. Gemma Hayes has made significant contributions to the music industry through her diverse talents and collaborative projects.

Samuel Lover, known as "Ben Trovato," was a versatile Irish artist with a successful career as a songwriter, composer, novelist, and portrait painter specializing in miniatures. His creative talents spanned various artistic fields, showcasing his versatility and skill. Lover's work as a songwriter and composer reflected his musical prowess, while his novels highlighted his storytelling abilities. Additionally, his expertise in portrait painting, particularly in miniatures, demonstrated his proficiency in capturing intricate details in his artwork, solidifying his reputation as a talented and accomplished artist.

Gavin Friday is an Irish singer, songwriter, composer, actor, and painter. He is renowned as a founding member of the post-punk band The Virgin Prunes. Throughout his career, Friday has delved into various artistic endeavors, showcasing his versatility and creativity. His work spans across different mediums, encompassing music, acting, and visual arts. Friday's contributions to the music industry, particularly through his involvement with The Virgin Prunes, have left a lasting impact and solidified his reputation as a multifaceted and talented artist.

Raymond Deane is an accomplished Irish composer known for his innovative and distinctive works. He has a successful career spanning several decades, during which he has produced a diverse body of compositions across various genres. Deane is highly regarded in the music industry for his unique style and experimental approach to composition. His works have been performed by renowned orchestras and ensembles worldwide, establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary music. Deane continues to actively engage in composing and contributing to the cultural landscape.

Michael William Balfe was an Irish composer known for his operas, particularly The Bohemian Girl. He initially worked as a violinist before transitioning to an operatic singing career and composing music. Over a span of 40 years, he created at least 29 operas, close to 250 songs, various cantatas, and other compositions. Balfe was also recognized as a talented conductor, overseeing performances at prestigious venues like Her Majesty's Theatre. His work left a lasting impact on the world of music.

Laura Izibor is an accomplished Irish recording artist, musician, and producer. She gained recognition early in her career by winning the 2FM Song Contest while still in secondary school. Her talent was further acknowledged when she received an award at the 2006 Meteor Music Awards. Izibor has shared her musical prowess on stage with renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin, India Arie, Estelle, Maxwell, and John Legend. Her debut album, Let the Truth Be Told, was well-received upon its release, showcasing her versatile musical abilities. Additionally, she has showcased her acting skills on The CW television show, One Tree Hill.