RTÉ lyric fm marks its 27th anniversary with a special programming event, New Generation Voices, showcasing some of Ireland's most exciting emerging vocal talent. The initiative highlights the station’s ongoing commitment to supporting and promoting the next generation of opera singers.

Broadcast across the day on May 1st, each programme will feature a rising star, offering listeners an opportunity to experience fresh voices at a pivotal stage in their careers.

Featured artists include baritone Seán Boylan (Meath), soprano Deirdre Higgins (Offaly), and tenors Patrick Hyland (Kildare), Seán Tester (Louth), and Cathal Mc Cabe (Dublin). Each singer has been invited to collaborate with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under the direction of conductor Gavin Maloney, culminating in a series of specially recorded aria performances.

RTÉ lyric fm’s New Generation Voices reflects the station’s dedication to nurturing young artists while bringing audiences closer to the future of classical music in Ireland. This initiative is presented in association with the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, further strengthening the link between emerging talent and professional performance platforms.

Listeners are invited to tune in throughout the day on May 1st to celebrate 27 years of RTÉ lyric fm and discover the voices shaping the next chapter of Irish vocal performance.

Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition

The Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition is a triennial international classical singing competition held in Dublin, Ireland. The competition invites the most talented young singers to compete on this global stage, with a star-studded Jury, international press coverage and exposure to the most influential people in the industry. The competition is led by Artistic Director Dearbhla Collins and chairman Professor Diarmuid Hegarty, Griffith College,

Seán Tester

Irish tenor Seán Tester, a recipient of the 2023 BVOF|RIAM John Pollard Bursary, has completed a Masters degree in Music Performance (Vocal Studies) at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. He performed at Wexford Festival Opera in 2025 and in January made his Royal Festival Hall, London debut as tenor soloist in Mozart’s Requiem.

Patrick Hyland

Patrick Hyland, an award-winning Irish tenor, has performed globally in prestigious venues such as Glyndebourne Opera House and The Royal Albert Hall. He has also collaborated extensively with Irish National Opera, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Deirdre Higgins

Soprano Deirdre Higgins has been a member of the Irish National Opera Studio since 2023. Her experience with INO includes covering key roles such as Mimì in La Bohème (Puccini) and Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust and she has sung the role of Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore.

Cathal McCabe

Cathal McCabe, a tenor from Dublin, has also been a member of Irish National Opera Studio and is currently a studio member of DNOA (Dutch National Opera Academy) in Amsterdam. At the 2025 Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, he won both the Jane Carty Prize and the Dermot Troy Prize.

Seán Boylan

Irish Baritone Seán Boylan is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin. He recently performed with Opera North as Schaunard in La Bohème, and in summer 2026 he will perform the role of Algernon Moncrieff in Gerald Barry’s The Importance of being Earnest for Garsington Opera.

OPERATIC ARIAS INCLUDED THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Avant de quitter ces lieux (Before leaving this place) by Gounod performed by Sean Boylan (baritone)

E lucevan le stelle (And the stars were shining) by Puccini performed by Patrick Hyland (tenor)

Una Furtiva Lagrima by Donizetti performed by Sean Tester (tenor)

Lunge da lei (Away from her), from Verdi’s La Traviata performed by Cathal McCabe (tenor)

Song to the Moon by Dvorak performed by Deirdre Higgins (soprano)