Cellist Sinéad O’Halloran
As a soloist, as a guest of renowned orchestras such as the European Union Youth Orchestra and as a cellist in the award-winning Marmen Quartet, the young Irishwoman performs new, exciting facets of her instrument. The winner of the prestigious RNCM Gold Medal 2021 is also co-founder and artistic director of the Ortús Chamber Music Festival in her home town of Cork.
About the artist
aspiring cellist with Irish roots
Sinéad O’Halloran is quickly establishing herself as one of Ireland’s most exciting young musicians. Co-founder and Artistic Director of the Ortús Chamber Music Festival, established in her hometown of Cork in 2016, Sinéad is passionate about bringing together Irish and international musicians for concerts, education work and audience development in the wider community.
on stage
As cellist of the award-winning Marmen Quartet (1st Prize Winners of Banff & Bordeaux International String Quartet Competitions), Sinéad has performed at the Berlin Philharmonie, Boulez-Saal, BBC Proms, Lucerne Festival & Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival. Upcoming highlights include performances at Wigmore Hall, Hitzacker Festival, Amsterdam String Quartet Biennale, as well as extensive tours across Europe and the US. Winner of the prestigious RNCM Gold Medal 2021, Sinéad is also a graduate of Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas) and the Robert Schumann Hochschule (Düsseldorf, Germany), where she graduated with a first class Hons BMus and MMus.
soloist
As Principal Cellist of the European Union Youth Orchestra she led the section at numerous high profile events, including the BBC Proms and The Armistice Day 100 Years Anniversary Ceremony, performing at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe during a ceremony marking the centenary of the end of World War I in front of 84 Heads of State and world leaders, and a live television audience of millions. At the invitation of Maestro Iván Fischer, she is a regular guest with the Budapest Festival Orchestra, touring extensively and performing in some of the world’s finest concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie de Paris, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and Het Concertgebouw. She has also performed with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Irish Chamber Orchestra and Spira Mirabilis.
orchestra
In March 2023 Sinéad performed the world premiere of Shaun Davey’s Cello Concerto “Refuge” with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and conductor David Brophy at the National Concert Hall. In 2024, she will embark on a project of performing all of the Bach Cello Suites around Ireland, with support from the Arts Council. 2024 will also see the release of two CD’s; the Marmen Quartet’s debut album of works by Ligeti & Bartok for the BIS label and a CD of collaborative works with composer/violist Garth Knox.
teaching
As well as performing, Sinéad is passionate about teaching and very much enjoys being on the chamber music faculty at the Royal College of Music in London.
instrument
Sinéad is currently playing on a cello made by David Tecchler (Rome, 1714) generously on loan to her from the Royal Society of Musicians. She also plays on a cello by Benjamin Banks Jr (1780). Sinéad gratefully acknowledges support from the Arts Council of Ireland, Music Network, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
