Alec O'Leary
Described by Classical Guitar Magazine (USA) as a guitarist whose playing is “never less than superb” and hailed by Hot Press as “easily one of Ireland’s most talented and accomplished classical guitarists,” Alec O’Leary has earned international recognition as a performer, educator, arranger, luthier and artistic director.
Born into a family of musicians and artists, Alec’s love of the guitar began at an early age, guided first by his father and grandfather, both of whom played in the traditions of Segovia and Bream. He later refined his artistry at the Dublin Conservatory of Music and Drama under John Feeley, while also studying with some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, including Manuel Barrueco, Scott Tennant, Sergio Assad, Roberto Aussel, Roland Dyens, and more recently with Maestro Aniello Desiderio with support from the Arts Council of Ireland.
Today, Alec is recognised for his virtuosity, charismatic stage presence, and innovative programming. His performances—praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth—have captivated audiences worldwide, while his artistic vision has shaped new directions in classical guitar performance and education.
Beyond the stage, Alec is co-founder and director of the Guitar Festival of Ireland, one of Europe’s most distinguished guitar festivals. He is also deeply involved in guitar making, working closely with his father, renowned luthier Michael J. O’Leary, to create bespoke high-end instruments for many of the best players in the world.
A passionate advocate for new music, Alec has commissioned works from leading composers including Leo Brouwer, Andrew York, Roland Dyens, and Sergio Assad. His collaborations have resulted in acclaimed projects such as the Guitar Traditions seminar series at the Royal Irish Academy of Music with John Williams, Paco Peña, and Pavel Steidl, as well as the Sony recording Places Between with John Williams and John Etheridge.
As a recording artist, Alec’s debut album Milonga received glowing praise, with Classical Guitar Magazine celebrating his “exciting and clever performances” and calling his rendition of Dyens’ arrangement of Felicidade “a truly exhilarating conclusion to a very enjoyable programme.” His follow-up release, From the Olive Tree with soprano Deirdre Moynihan, showcased innovative voice-and-guitar arrangements and was described by Classical Guitar Magazine (London) as “an authentic and musically profound ensemble.”
In recent years, Alec has continued to expand the guitar’s repertoire. In 2020 he premiered and recorded Leo Brouwer’s ‘Irish Landscape with Rain' for four guitars, performing all parts himself, followed in 2021 by the release of Brouwer’s solo work ‘Dorian, it is too Late (in memoriam Oscar Wilde)’, dedicated to Alec. Most recently, he unveiled the world premiere recording of Another Dream, a new composition by Grammy-winning guitarist-composer Andrew York which was also written for him.
Alongside his performing career, Alec is Professor of Guitar at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he has developed pioneering teaching methods, ensembles, and digital resources. His teaching philosophy is rooted in creativity, positivity, and critical thinking, inspiring the next generation of guitarists.
Alec’s performances include appearances with the National Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, RTÉ Contempo Quartet, RTÉ Cór na nÓg, Aspiro Choir, the Wilde Guitar Quartet, and frequent collaborations with soprano Deirdre Moynihan. He has also been featured widely on Irish national television and radio, including live broadcasts on RTÉ Lyric FM.
Away from music, Alec enjoys creating new projects, playing table tennis, and, most importantly, spending time with his children.