A new solo album from Irish pianist Michael McHale features several works by Irish composers
The Irish Piano is Belfast-born pianist Michael McHale’s debut release on the RTE lyric fm label. The album features a selection of piano miniatures inspired by Ireland’s rich musical heritage, and includes works by Bill Whelan, Ian Wilson, Philip Hammond, Garrett Sholdice and Donnacha Dennehy, as well as the pianist’s own arrangements.
Also on the album are pieces by John Field, Samuel Barber, Arnold Bax, Percy Grainger and William Vincent Wallace.
One of the leading Irish pianists of his generation, Michael McHale has developed a busy international career as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician. He has given solo performances at the Tanglewood and Ushuaia Festivals, Berlin Konzerthaus and Pesti Vigadó, Budapest, and broadcasts for TV and radio stations throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America. He collaborates regularly with Sir James Galway, Michael Collins, Patricia Rozario, Ensemble Avalon and the Cappa Ensemble, and his discography includes recordings for Chandos, Louth Contemporary Music Society, and Lorelt.
The Irish Piano is available to pre-order from the RTÉ Shop and will be available shortly from CMC’s Shop.
Listen to an interview with Michael McHale, recorded on 2 October 2012.
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Further information: RTÉ lyric fm