Sligo native Ciara Murphy makes her National Concert Hall debut as a conductor, conducting the UCD Symphony Orchestra at the 30th Irish Association of Youth Orchestras Festival on Saturday, 7 February. we asked her the BIG questions . . .
This is the 30th Festival of Youth Orchestras presented by The Irish Association of Youth Orchestras and marks three decades of celebrating Ireland's youth orchestra community, with a variety of music played by young people for young people.
Ciara began her musical journey at the age of six at the Sligo Academy of Music, studying cello, piano, voice, and music theory. She now holds Bachelors and Master’s Degrees from Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin Conservatory of Music and Drama.
She is Chair of the European Choral Associations Youth Committee and is one of seven young people selected from across Europe, for a three-year term.
"I participated in the 16th IAYO Festival as a 10-year old cellist with Sligo Academy of Music, so it’s very special to be returning as a conductor," she says.
"I’m very grateful to IAYO for the role it played in my musical development and for the opportunities it continues to create for young musicians across the country.
"Making my National Concert Hall conducting debut in this context is a privilege, and I’m especially thankful to UCD Symphony Orchestra and Dr Ciarán Crilly for the opportunity to be involved this year."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Eternal perfectionist, always coming up with new and creative ideas I’ve been dubbed the idea factory by some, avid beach-walker at my local Strandhill.
How would you describe your music?
Conducting is definitely a niche art form; I’d say adaptability is your most important asset.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Marin Alsop and Eímear Noone have to be up there as an aspiring female conductor, and my Mum (I taught her piano as a teenager, she’d always wanted to learn, and she’s completed five piano exams).
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I remember being mesmerised by The Nutcracker ballet I was brought to as a child in the National Concert Hall.
What was the first record you ever bought?
2Cellos album circa 2011.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I’ve become slightly obsessed with Arvo Pärt and Vjeilo Tormis’ choral music since visiting Tallinn this summer and hearing Estonia’s Song Celebration.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining, I believe in love when I feel it not" - from the choral piece, Even When He Is Silent, composed by Kim André Arnesen.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram - @ciaramurphymusic or Ciara Murphy Music on Facebook and YouTube.
Alan Corr
