Michael Holohan

Full biography Michael Holohan

Michael Holohan is an Irish composer who has made significant contributions to contemporary music in Ireland. He was born in 1957 and grew up in Drogheda, a historic town in County Louth. He received his musical education at Trinity College Dublin and Cardiff University and later earned a PhD in Composition from Queen's University Belfast.

Holohan has served as the Chairman of the Association of Irish Composers and was appointed Chairman of the Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda. He is also a member of Aosdána, an exclusive organization of Irish artists and is a recipient of the Irish Arts Council's highest award, the Arts Council Bursary for Music Composition.

Holohan's compositions are largely based on Irish traditional music, but he has also been known for incorporating elements of classical, jazz, and rock music into his works. His music has been performed by several prominent ensembles and soloists, including the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, and pianist John O'Conor.

Holohan has also collaborated with other artists, such as poet Jim O'Connor and sculptor Pauline O'Connell, on multimedia projects that integrate music with other art forms. In addition to his work as a composer, he has also served as a music educator and has taught at various institutions in Ireland and Europe.

Overall, Michael Holohan is a prominent figure in the Irish music scene, known for his innovative compositions and commitment to promoting contemporary music.