Ronan Murray

Rónán Murray (b. June 5, 1977, Dublin, Ireland) is an Irish musician. From a musical family, his earliest piano lessons were with his late father, Ciarán (d.2001). Rónán attended Blackrock College, a prestigious school for boys in south Dublin where his musical gifts were further nurtured. He was chapel organist during his school days there. Subsequent organ studies with Peter Sweeney at the Dublin Conservatory of Music and Drama were complemented by masterclasses from such leading organists as James David Christie and Ben van Oosten. Positions held by Rónán include organist of St. Stephen's church, Killiney (1989-1991) and assistant organist of the Unitarian church, Dublin (1993-1996). Since November 1996, he has been organist of St. Joseph's church [http://www.glasthuleparish.com] , Glasthule, Dublin.

He is active as a freelance organist, pianist and composer. With a repertoire covering everything from traditional music and jazz piano, to classical organ music and improvisation, Rónán also writes and performs his own songs. He has made numerous radio and television broadcasts and is much in demand both as a solo artist and collaborator. Recent appearances include the first Cork International Pipe Organ Festival in 2005 and a performance at the Cavaillé-Coll organ of St. Sulpice church, Paris.

Rónán has featured as musical director for many productions, especially variety concerts in venues throughout Ireland. He was a finalist in the Unisong International Song Competition 2004. He co-wrote and performed (with mezzo-soprano Maria de Moel) the musical theatre piece "Violating Messages: The Songs of Kurt Weill" during the 2005 Dublin Fringe Festival. He frequently works with his sister, renowned soprano Niamh Murray.

In August 2006 Rónán performed a recital at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, home to one of the greatest pipe organs in the world. April 2007 saw Rónán perform in Łódź Cathedral, Poland. His debut album of original songs, "Reasons and Seasons" [http://cdbaby.com/cd/ronanmurray] was released in June 2006. It features Rónán's singing and piano playing backed by Pete Maguire on bass and guitar, Kevin Mullins on drums and Lynette Maguire on clarinet.

External links

* [http://www.ronanmurraymusic.com Official site]