Short bio Jane O'Leary
Full biography Jane O'Leary
Jane O'Leary is a contemporary Irish composer, born in Dublin in 1946. She studied at University College Dublin and then pursued postgraduate studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
O'Leary's work is predominantly inspired by nature and the world around her, and she often incorporates elements of traditional Irish music into her compositions. She has received numerous commissions and honors, including winning the BBC/RTE Choirworks Competition in 1993 and the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters Award in 2002.
One of O'Leary's most notable pieces is her "From the Book of Ways" for string quartet and percussion, which was commissioned by the National String Quartet Foundation of Ireland in 2006. The piece incorporates rhythmic patterns and sounds inspired by the natural world, including bird calls and the wind. Other works by O'Leary include "A Winter Sketchbook", "The Passing Sound of Forever", and "The Gleaming Whereabouts".
O'Leary has also been an influential figure in promoting contemporary classical music in Ireland. She co-founded the Association of Irish Composers in 1972 and served as its chair for several years. In addition to her composing, she has also worked as a lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, University College Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin.
Overall, Jane O'Leary has made a significant contribution to the contemporary classical music scene in Ireland and beyond with her unique style and innovative approach.
Compositions featuring Jane O'Leary
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murmurs and Echoes, for clarinet & piano | 13:51 min | Chamber Music | 2015 |
| 2 | The Passing Sound of Forever..., for string quartet | 12:57 min | Chamber Music | 2015 |
| 3 | A Winter Sketchbook, for alto flute & violin | 6:48 min | Chamber Music | 2014 |
| 4 | A Way Through, for alto flute, bass clarinet & accordion | 10:06 min | Chamber Music | 2013 |
| 5 | No. 19, for solo violin | 7:22 min | Chamber Music | 2012 |
| 6 | ...From Hand to Hand..., for cello & harp | 9:19 min | Chamber Music | 2011 |
| 7 | Soundshapes II, for clarinet & string quartet | 11:53 min | Chamber Music | 2007 |
| 8 | Reflections II, for bass clarinet & ensemble | 9:10 min | Chamber Music | 2002 |
| 9 | A piacere..., for bass clarinet | 5:03 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 10 | Four pieces for guitar | 9:15 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 11 | In the Stillness of Time, for string quartet | 19:46 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 12 | Mystic Play of Shadows, for string quartet | 9:57 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 13 | Piano Quintet | 15:56 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 14 | Something There, for clarinet, violin, cello & accordion | 8:08 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 15 | Why the Hill Sings, for viola d'amore & piano | 10:50 min | Chamber Music | - |
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