Composers

Format: 2024

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Jane O’Leary has been resident in Ireland since 1972.

Born in Dublin, Martin O’Leary began composing at the age of fourteen.

Palmer was born in England of Irish parents and came to live in Ireland around 1910. In 1901 he was the youngest Bachelor of Music in Oxford college history and studied with C.

Dorothy Parke was born in County Derry in Northern Ireland in 1904 and died in Portrush, County Antrim, in 1990.

Brent Parker is a New Zealand-born composer and pianist who has lived in Ireland for more than forty years.

C. S. L. Parker was born in England and moved to Ireland in 1982. He began his composition studies with Oliver Knussen and continued at the Royal College of Music in London with John Lambert.

Sid Peacock was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland. His music practice began in his teens playing in rockabilly and garage bands.

Dublin-born Colman Pearce is a conductor, pianist and composer. He received a B.Mus.

Sam Perkin, who is based between France and Ireland, is composer-in-residence with Crash Ensemble, Ireland’s leading new music ensemble; a group of world-class musicians who play the most adventuro

Described as “a powerhouse of contemporary keyboard repertoire” (Tempo), pianist and composer Xenia Pestova Bennett has earned an international reputation as a leading pro

Archibald James (Archie) Potter was the son of a blind Belfast piano tuner.

Gerard Power was born in Waterford, Ireland.

Pages

This section introduces the music of Irish composers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It is intended as a good starting point for anyone not familiar with Irish contemporary music.

Each composer's page provides a photo, a biography, most recent works added to CMC's collection and other information. You can also purchase CDs and scores by each composer, access features about the composers, or view any upcoming events which include their music.

An Irish composer is defined as anyone who was born or is permanently resident in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. 

For any Irish composers interested in registering with CMC, please see our guidelines on how to apply.