On the eve of the second anniversary of the passing of the iconic Irish Soprano Veronica 'Ronnie' Dunne, the Royal Irish Academy of Music was delighted to host a celebration of her life with an evening to mark the dedication of the Veronica Dunne Studio in the new RIAM building. Housed on the Opera & Vocal Faculty floor of the RIAM building, attendees were given a short tour of the new RIAM building finishing off the tour in Ronnie's room, followed by a short concert in the Vernon Studio.
We were thrilled to have some amazing performers lined up in honour of Ronnie. Soprano, Eílis Fox alongside Tenor, Seán Tester performed Pst, pst Nannetta, Labbra di foco from Verdi's Falstaff. Followed up by the excellent mezzo-soprano, Anna-Helena Maclachlan who performed a excellent rendition of Faites-lui mes aveux from Gounod's Faust and closing out the evenings performances was Celine Byrne who performed Weatherly's, Danny Boy and all performers were accompanied by the fantastic Dearbhla Collins on piano.
Speaking about this very special evening, RIAM's director, Professor Deborah Kelleher said:
“Veronica Dunne was a most beloved and revered member of the RIAM’s Vocal Faculty. Teaching with us up until the age of 92, with all her energy and passion for vocal students and opera, she continued to inspire us all. Hers is one of the most important legacies in Irish vocal pedagogy, and the history books will mark her contribution to music in Ireland as immense. We are so privileged to have been able to host this event in memory of Ronnie".