Deirdre Moynihan (Soprano) and Alec O’Leary (Guitar) are fast becoming recognised as one of Ireland’s most engaging duos. Their performance style is charming yet dynamic and displays the integrity of a well established ensemble. The programme will feature works from the Italian and German repertoire and a rare opportunity to hear the intriguing collection of traditional Spanish songs "Canciones Espanolas Antiguas" compiled by the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca. There are also a selections of iconic solo guitar works by J.S.Bach and Leo Brouwer.

Alec O'Leary

"Easily one of Ireland's most talented and accomplished classical guitarists" Hotpress.

"Alec is a highly accomplished guitarist with a very natural touch on the instrument. He has a refined and developed musical sensibility." John Feeley.

Widely regarded as one of the foremost guitarists of his generation, Alec first learned guitar from his father and subsequently went on to study from an early age with Irish virtuoso John Feeley at the Dublin Conservatory of Music and Drama. He has had personal tuition from some of the world's most distinguished musicians, including Manuel Barreuco, Scott Tennant, Sergio Assad, Roberto Aussel and Roland Dyens. He has also studied in Naples with Maestro Aniello Desiderio aided by the Arts Council Travel and Training Award. Alec is founder and director of one of Europe's most prestigious guitar festivals, the Waltons Guitar Festival of Ireland. Along with a busy performing schedule, festival commitments and teaching posts, Alec is equally dedicated to making guitars with his father, renowned Irish luthier Michael J. O'Leary. He plays regularly both as a soloist and in ensemble and has performed many times on both national radio and television, including the Pat Kenny Show, Ryan Tubridy, Nationwide, Ray Darcy Show, Vincent Brown, RTE Lyric FM, Newstalk 106, and many more. He plays both spruce and cedar guitars made for him by Michael J. O'Leary.

Deirdre Moynihan
As a soprano soloist Deirdre has performed with many orchestral, choral, operatic and chamber music groups both on the International stage and throughout Ireland.  

Most recently she was the soprano soloist with Enchiriadis Treis at The National Concert Hall for a performance of Mozart’s Coronation Mass and The Armed Man (Karl Jenkins). She was also a guest soloist with Limerick Baroque Players for a performance of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Vivaldi’s Gloria. Other collaborations this year have included performances with The Con Tempo Quartet and Alec O’ Leary (guitar). Earlier this year she gave a Dublin performance of Tavener's "Lament for Phaedra" for soprano and cello with Kate Ellis and also premiered a new work “Sonnet 100” (Malachy Robinson) with Dublin Viols. In December 2009 Deirdre sang the soprano solo in Ian Wilson's work 'The Beloved and Her Lover' with the National Chamber Choir of Ireland in both Belfast (UK Premiere) and Dublin. The Irish Times review wrote: "It featured a lyrical solo from soprano Deirdre Moynihan and, with the Stanford, was the concert highlight." Also in December, Deirdre performed with the prestigious Crash Ensemble as the soprano soloist in Sciarrino's 'Le Voci Sottovetro'.  
 
In August 2009 Deirdre was invited to return as a guest soloist with the RTE Concert Orchestra as part of the Lyric FM Lunchtime Choice concert series at the National Concert Hall. The Irish Times review of the Baroque program stated that "....the decorative textures of Tornami a vagheggiar from Handel’s Alcina and a second Messiah number, the 12/8 version of Rejoice Greatly , revealed Moynihan at her agile, colourful best". Other recent performance highlights include a recital at the Galway Cathedral Concert series, the soprano soloist with the Irish Chamber Orchestra in a production of 'Midsummer Night’s Dream', a performance of Arvo Pärt's 'Stabat Mater' with the Crash Ensemble, a series of Early music recitals with James Taylor(harpsichord) & Connor O’ Connell(Recorders) and a performance of Schubert’s 'Der Hirt auf dem Felsen' in the new Cork School of Music. In May 2010 Deirdre was awarded a Bursary from The Arts Council for the continuing study and performance of Baroque and Renaissance Repertoire. 

*€10 Concessions available on the door with valid ID

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