AIC Member - Seóirse Bodley

D. Mus., born Dublin in 1933. Studies in Ireland and Germany (Staatliche Hochschule für Musik, Stuttgart) were followed by an appointment in the Music Department of University College Dublin, of which he is now an Emeritus Professor. He is a Saoi of Aosdána, Ireland's academy of creative artists. Of which he was a founder-member

Since his early twenties, Seóirse Bodley’s music has been broadcast and performed in Ireland, across European countries, North America, Australia, China and Japan. Influences on his compositions include a range of musical styles from the European avant-garde to Irish traditional music, and most recently a series of works arising from the philosophy of the Austrian-born philosopher, Karl Popper.

During the period from 1950 to the end of the millennium he composed a wide range of works, many of which continue to be performed. Throughout his life, he has performed his works with such established performers as Bernadette Greevy and the renowned English tenor Ian Partridge (2002) and more recently with Sylvia O’Brien (soprano) in the 75^th birthday concert of his song-cycles arranged for him by the Hugh Lane Gallery (April 2008).

Works include:

5 symphonies (full orchestra)

2 chamber symphonies

Numerous orchestral, choral & vocal works (including song-cycles), piano literature & chamber music.

Major commissions include:

3rd Symphony, for the opening of the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

Fourth Symphony, for the Arturo Toscanini Symphony Orchestra of Parma, Italy.

Awards include:

Saoi of Aosdána (2008)

President of the Association of Irish Composers (2007)

Marten Toonder Award (1982).

Macaulay Fellowship in Music Composition (1962).

Travelling Studentship of the National University of Ireland (1962).

Arts Council Prize for Composition (1956).

Commissioned works premiered since 2000 include:

Chiaroscuro for the AXA Dublin International Piano Competition (2000).

Sinfonietta for the Irish National Youth Orchestra for their international millennium tour (2000).

Earlsfort Suite for mezzo Bernadette Greevy and RTE Symphony orchestra. Commissioned by Duchas (The Heritage Service) for the milllenium year (2000).

News from Donabate, a large-scale 50-minute work for solo piano commissioned by RTE. Premiered by the Russian pianist Andrei Roudenko (2001).

An Exchange of Letters, cycle for solo piano (2002). Commissioned by the National Concert Hall and premiered by the English contemporary music specialist, Rolf Hind.

After Great Pain, song-cycle in commemoration of those killed on September 11. Comissioned by the James-Byrnes Institute (2002).

Mignon and the Harper (song-cycle) for baritone, soprano and piano (2003).

String Quartet 3 (Ave atque Vale). Commissioned for the Vogler Quartet (2004).

Metamorphoses on the name Schumann National Symphony Orchestra (2004).

Islands Commissioned, premiered and recorded by the Irish guitarist, John Feeley (2007).

Amra Choluim Chille, commissioned by Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise for Christ Church Cathedral Choir (2007).

String Quartet 4, commissioned by RTE for the Vanbrugh Quartet (2007).

Missa Brevis in Angustiis for children's choir and Organ. Commissioned for the Piccolo Lasso choir directed by Ite O'Donavan. They gave the first performance in Westminster Cathedral, London. 2009

Recent Recordings and Publications:

Seóirse Bodley’s, Symphonies nos. 4 and 5 (Naxos Recordings: Marco Polo Label, 2001).

Seóirse Bodley, Mignon und der Harfner in: Goethe: Musical Poet, Musical Catalyst (CP, 2004).

Seóirse Bodley’s Three Congregational Masses (Carysfort Press, 2005).

Seóirse Bodley’s Song Cycles on the Poems of Micheal O’Siadhail (Dublin: Carysfort Press, 2008).

Forthcoming concerts

First performance of Missa Brevis in Angustiis

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