David Kenny

A native of Cork, David Kenny studied viola under the esteemed guidance of Constantin Zanidache and Simon Aspell at the CIT Cork School of Music. Now based in Dublin, he holds the position of Associate Principal Viola with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and is a viola faculty member at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. 

As an orchestral musician, David has collaborated with an array of ensembles, including the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Sinfonia of London, Wexford Festival Opera Orchestra, John Wilson Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and the Malta Philharmonic. He has also worked as a guest Principal Viola with both the Ulster Orchestra and Camerata Ireland. International tours have included performances at the BBC Proms, Edinburgh Festival, Carnegie Hall, Beijing National Centre for the Performing Arts, Southbank Centre London, Kennedy Centre Washington, and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. During his formative years, he performed as Principal Viola with the European Union Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. 

A passionate chamber musician, David has performed at renowned festivals such as the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, Clandeboye Festival, Music in Drumcliffe Festival, Interlaken Classics Festival, and the Chamber Music Gathering at the National Concert Hall. His artistic collaborations include performances with ensembles such as the Ficino Ensemble, Musici Ireland, Fews Ensemble, and the Vanbrugh String Quartet. 

Aside from his teaching at the RIAM, David has enjoyed coaching students on the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland and the ConCorda Chamber Music course. He performs on a viola by Montpellier based luthier Frédéric Chaudière and bows by Noel Burke and Joséphine Thomachot.