Rhona Clarke is known for her diverse output, including choral, chamber, orchestral, and electronic works. Born in Dublin, her early musical experiences were in piano and choral singing. She studied music at University College, Dublin, and completed a PhD at Queen’s University, Belfast. Formerly Associate Professor at DCU, she has been involved in music education throughout her adult life.
Rhona 's compositions span various genres, having received numerous commissions from prestigious organizations including the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, New Music Dublin, The Sydney Philharmonia Chorus, Chamber Choir Ireland, the Choir of the Chapels Royal HM Tower of London. Her music has been performed and broadcast throughout Ireland and worldwide and has represented Ireland at both the International Rostrum of Composers and ISCM World Music Days.
Her work is characterized by an emotional depth with innovative use of sound. Influenced by a wide variety of composers, it is a synthesis of contemporary and traditional classical music.
Recent work includes Points of Light (2025) commissioned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Symphony Chorus Ireland. Her work has been recorded on many compilation albums including a recent recording by Isabelle O’Connell, the centre piece of which is, a 23-minutes work Cocteau. Her two portrait CDs are A Different Game, chamber music performed by the Fidelio Trio, and a Grammy nominated CD of choral music performed by The State Choir LATVIJA, both on the Métier, Divine Art Recordings, label. Ongoing collaborations with visual artist Marie Hanlon concern film and sound installation work, further expanding her artistic reach.
Rhona Clarke is a member of Aosdána, Ireland’s affiliation of creative artists, since 2006.
“…introspective at times, never esoteric, and always communicative in a highly personal way.”
Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold (Fanfare)