Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich, Mary Brennan and John Feeley appointed Adjunct Professors at DIT Conservatory
The Conservatory of Music and Drama at Dublin Institute of Technology has appointed three new Adjunct Professors at the beginning of its 125th anniversary year: Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich (sean-nós singing), Mary Brennan (voice) and John Feeley (guitar, research).
Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich is a traditional singer from the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht in Kerry. She is a founder member of Ireland’s first all-female traditional band Macalla. Ní Bheaglaoich has recorded and toured extensively throughout Europe and the USA, and has worked in radio and television in Ireland for many years.
Mary Brennan has performed in a wide range of repertoire (opera, oratorio and recital) and has sung on radio and television in England, Europe and Ireland. She has built up a considerable reputation as a voice teacher and has been visiting professor at Flanders Opera Studio.
John Feeley has been described as Ireland’s leading classical guitarist. In addition to his solo and chamber concerts, he has performed with the American Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and he is highly regarded for his performance of new works by Irish composers.
Adjunct Professors are individuals who are eminent leaders in their field and distinguished by high achievement in the world of industry, business, science, the professions, the arts or public service. Dr Gordon Munro, Head of the Conservatory of Music and Drama at DIT, said:
We are delighted that our distinguished former colleagues Mary Brennan, John Feeley and Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich have accepted our invitation to become Adjunct Professors of Dublin Institute of Technology. They have each made outstanding contributions in the field of music and through the role of Adjunct Professors they will further enhance the Conservatory’s teaching and professional activities.
As Adjunct Professors at the Conservatory, it is envisaged that in addition to giving masterclasses they will offer consultation advice to students aspiring to become professional musicians. A new series of public events is planned this year to mark the 125th anniversary of the Conservatory and the Adjunct Professors will participate in some of these events.
DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama was founded in 1890. The Conservatory offers performance-based study programmes in music from age three through to doctoral study; an undergraduate programme in drama performance; and courses for adults. Its degree programmes include classical and Irish traditional music, composition, musicology, music education, jazz, opera, drama and (in association with partner colleges) rock and pop music, film scoring, and musical theatre.