Composer Seóirse Bodley has been elected a Saoi of Aosdána.

The first composer to receive this distinction -- the highest awarded in the arts in the Republic of Ireland -- Seóirse Bodley has been elected to the position by his peers in Aosdána, the state-sponsored affiliation of creative artists in Ireland.

Membership of Aosdána, which is by peer nomination and election, is limited to 250 living artists who have produced a distinguished body of work. A number of members are recognised by their peers for outstanding achievement by the title of Saoi, or 'wise one'. No more than seven current members may be so honoured at one time. The title of Saoi is conferred by the President of Ireland with the presentation of a gold Torc, and is held for life.

The other current Saoithe are Louis Le Brocquy, Seamus Heaney, Anthony Cronin, Brian Friel, Patrick Scott and Camille Souter. Past Saoithe include Samuel Beckett, Sean Ó Faoláin, Patrick Collins, Mary Lavin, Francis Stewart, Tony O'Malley and Benedict Kiely.

One of the best-known senior figures of contemporary music in Ireland, Seóirse Bodley is emeritus professor of music, University College Dublin. His music has been widely broadcast and performed in North America, many European countries, Australia and China. His works include five symphonies for full orchestra, two chamber symphonies and numerous orchestral, choral, vocal and chamber pieces. The many commissions he has received include his Third Symphony, commissioned for the opening of the National Concert Hall in Dublin, and his Fourth Symphony, commissioned by the Arturo Toscanini Symphony Orchestra of Parma, Italy. In addition to many performances in Ireland, his music has been broadcast and performed in North America, many European countries, Australia and China.

The President of Ireland, Mrs Mary MacAleese, will present Seóirse Bodley with the symbols of the office of Saoi in a ceremony to be held in The Arts Council on 24 November 2008.

Posted: 22 September 2008