Mary Kelly studied Music (B.Mus.) at UCD and Composition with James Wilson, Dublin, Robert
Saxton, London and with David Dramm in Amsterdam, where she was living at the time. She
attended composition summer schools at Aix-en-Provence and Dartington.
After some years teaching music at a secondary school, she conducted a number of choirs.
Between 1985 and 1989 she was a committee member of the Association of Irish Composers.
While living in Holland, she was involved in Stichting Vrouw-en-Muziek.
She has had performances and broadcasts in many countries throughout the world. She enjoys
writing for soloists and small ensembles including music suitable for young players. She has
worked in collaboration with performers such as soprano Daire Halpin (under the CMC composer
collaboration scheme), Darren Moore, cornetto, and trombonist John Kenny whose students at the
Guildhall, London and St. Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh, have performed her works. She has a
particular interest in writing choral music and has been a member of the Goethe Choir for many
years.
