Role

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Composer Conductor

Birth

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1974 in Ireland

 

Desmond Earley is a contemporary Irish composer and conductor, known for his innovative approach to choral music. Born in Dublin in 1982, Earley grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied music at Trinity College Dublin, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 2004 and a PhD in 2010. Earley's interest in choral music began during his undergraduate studies, when he joined the Trinity College Chapel Choir. He later became the choir's director, and under his leadership, the group gained a reputation for its innovative programming and performances. Earley's interest in choral music continued to grow, and he began to explore the possibilities of combining traditional choral music with contemporary styles and techniques. In 2008, Earley founded the choral ensemble New Dublin Voices, which quickly gained a reputation as one of Ireland's leading choirs. The group's repertoire includes a wide range of music, from traditional Irish folk songs to contemporary works by composers such as Eric Whitacre and Arvo Pärt. Earley's arrangements and compositions have become a signature feature of the group's performances, and he has been praised for his ability to create choral music that is both accessible and innovative. One of Earley's most notable works is his setting of the Latin Mass, entitled "Seven Last Words from the Cross." The piece was commissioned by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2014. The work is a powerful and emotional exploration of the themes of suffering, redemption, and hope, and has been praised for its innovative use of choral textures and harmonies. Another notable work by Earley is his setting of the Irish poem "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," which was commissioned by the National Youth Choir of Scotland and premiered in 2016. The piece is a haunting and atmospheric exploration of the natural beauty of the Irish landscape, and has been praised for its evocative use of choral textures and harmonies. In addition to his work as a composer, Earley is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted a number of leading choral ensembles, including the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, the National Youth Choir of Scotland, and the Irish Youth Choir. He is also a sought-after guest conductor, and has worked with a number of leading orchestras and choirs around the world. Earley's work has been recognized with a number of awards and honors. In 2014, he was awarded the Jerome Hynes Young Composer Award by the Arts Council of Ireland, and in 2016, he was named the recipient of the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition. His music has been performed by leading ensembles around the world, and he is widely regarded as one of Ireland's most innovative and exciting young composers. In conclusion, Desmond Earley is a talented and innovative composer and conductor, whose work has helped to redefine the possibilities of choral music. His ability to combine traditional choral techniques with contemporary styles and harmonies has earned him a reputation as one of Ireland's leading composers, and his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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