Royal Irish Academy announces new Director, Deborah Kelleher

The Board of Governors of the Royal Irish Academy of Music has announced today (Thursday, September 9th, 2010) the appointment of Deborah Kelleher as Director of the institution. Ms Kelleher succeeds pianist John O’Conor who was at the helm of the RIAM for 16 years.

Currently Head of Musicianship at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Ms Kelleher has played an integral role in the establishment and development of outreach, distance and in particular academic courses over the last number of years, including the introduction of a specialised undergraduate degree in composition, the first music technology programme at the RIAM and numerous professional development courses for teachers throughout the country. Since 2008 she has been the Academy’s International Relations Co-ordinator, representing the RIAM internationally at conferences and meetings, and forging significant relationships with many of the world’s most prestigious music conservatoires.

Deborah Kelleher studied music at Trinity College Dublin and was subsequently awarded masters degrees in musicology (UCD) and business administration (DCU). Recognised as one of Ireland’s finest pianists of her generation, in recent years she has specialised in working with singers, counting Ailish Tynan, Mairéad Buicke, Tara Erraught and the late Bernadette Greevy, amongst her recital partners. She is a member of the board of the Dublin International Piano Competition and is a member of the Arts Council’s Peer Review Panel.

Speaking on her appointment as Director, Chairman Dr Brian Aylward said that “Ms Kelleher’s dynamism, commitment to excellence and her leadership qualities ensure that the RIAM will continue to develop its reputation internationally whilst sustaining its enviable position as Ireland’s premier music institution”.

Deborah Kelleher takes up the appointment on Monday, October 4th, 2010.