RIAM is delighted to announce that the latest Doctor in Music Performance graduates 2025 are Dr. Mary Pedder Daly (choral conducting) and Dr. Megan O'Neill (voice).
They are pictured here at last week's graduation with Professor Denise Neary, Doctoral Studies Coordinator.
Biographies
Dr. Mary Pedder Daly
I am a freelance musician specializing in choral conducting and in 2025 I was awarded a PhD in Music Performance. A former lecturer in voice at the Cork School of Music now MTU, I collaborate with church musicians, choirs and related subjects and produce a wide range of sacred, secular and theatrical community events. My professional and organizational skills are of benefit to my choir ‘The Voices’ (formerly Cantorum) and also to the local and wider community. For this I have been recognized in 2024 with a ‘Community Award’ from the Mayor of Cork Co. Council. Achieving the highest standards in musical performance is important while also enjoying the social and cultural aspects and merits that my profession as a conductor, producer, innovator, impressario and artist can contribute. Participation in competitions and choral festivals both in Ireland and abroad is vital for optimum musical progression and appreciation and was placed 2nd at the Cork International Choral Festival in 2024 and won 1st Prize in three competitions at Feis Maitiu (Cork) 2025. As recently as 8th June 2025 I performed a solo recital of piano and vocal solos as a fundraiser for the children of Gaza entitled “B4 its 2 Late” and was highly successful. (See attached details of the programme)
Recent Performances
Recital for the Children of Gaza
Messiah - Handel
Requiem - Fauré
Missa in F Minor - Kӧssler
(Irish Premiere- 2022 St Mary’s Pro Cathedral Girls’ Choir)
Missa Sancti Aloysii MH 257 - M J Haydn
Missa Sub Titulo Sancti Leopoldi MH 837 - M J Haydn
Miserere in D - Hasse
Dancing Day Song Cycle – Rutter
Jesu der du meine seele BWV 78 - Bach
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben BWV 147 - Bach
Oratorio de Noël Op. 12 - Saint-Saëns
Beatus Vir - Monteverdi
Messe de Minuit – Charpentier
Selection of Songs;
Gaelic Blessing and The peace of God – Rutter
Silent Noon, Linden Lea - R V Williams
The Ships of Arcady, Ave Maria - Michael Head
Catch a falling star - Chilcott
Remember me - Chilcott
Dancing in Memory’s Stream - Chilcott
Like a singing bird - Chilcott
Come at Dawn (3 Spanish songs) - Arr. E Butler