Harp and Flute Concert with Ruth O’Hara and Martina Rosaria O’Connell
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 1.20pm
St Ann's Church Dawson Street
Programme
Gabriel Fauré
Sicilienne
Berceuse
Claude Debussy
Arabesque
La Fille Aux Cheveux de Lin
Clair de Lune
Syrinx
En Bateau
Saint Saëns
Romance
RUTH O'HARA is an award winning freelance pedal harpist, Irish harpist and teacher based in Ireland. Having studying as a scholarship student in The Royal Irish Academy of Music under Áine Ní Dhubhghaill, Ruth holds a Licentiate Diploma in Music Performance of the RIAM (LRIAM) and an Associate Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance of the RIAM (ARIAM). Ruth also holds a bachelor in Physiotherapy from Trinity College. Ruth often participates in international masterclasses & academies to further her artistic inspiration; the Ibacus harp course, MusicAlp, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival & Harpissima.
From an early age, Ruth's passion & dedication to harp was evident receiving first place in both pedal harp & Irish harp competitions in Feis Ceoil. Some performances include; with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, RIAM Gala High Achiever Awards ceremonies and the 1916 Rising commemoration ceremony. Recent performances include; the 'Changing Times' podcast launch and The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival. These performances being held in renowned Irish venues; The National Concert Hall, Farmleigh House, Dublin Castle, The Mansion House and The Guinness Storehouse.
With an interest in chamber music as well as solo performance, Ruth has collaborated with traditional Irish musicians & classical musicians. Recent sold out harp and voice recitals with soprano Megan O'Neill have spanned traditional Irish music, classical, film & pop music. Alongside her performance career Ruth enjoys teaching in Newpark Academy of Music and in Comhaltas.Alongside her performance career Ruth enjoys teaching in Newpark Academy of Music and in Comhaltas.
MARTINA ROSARIA O'CONNELL is a highly accomplished Irish-Italian flautist and music educator. She recently completed her Master’s in Flute Performance with Distinction, graduating top of her class at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Martina also holds a First-Class Honours degree in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin. At just 12 years old, Martina was awarded a six-year music scholarship to Wesley College, Dublin. Her exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Trench Award, Liam Swords Award, Arts Council of Ireland's Agility Award, and Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme.
In 2023, Martina made her concerto debut with the Trinity College Orchestra, performing Mozart’s *Concerto for Flute and Harp*. In February 2024, she was a finalist in the Maura Dowdall Concerto Competition. That same year, Martina premiered her flute transcription of Mel Bonis’s *Violin Sonata in F-Sharp Minor* in April at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris and subsequently gave its Irish premiere in June at the Fête de la Musique, attended by the French Ambassador to Ireland, HE Vincent Guérend. In May 2024, she performed her transcription as part of a live concert for Europe Day, which was broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM.
In November 2024, Martina performed as part of Sir James Galway’s 85th Birthday Celebration at the KKL Luzern, marking another milestone in her flourishing career. She has been a scholarship student at the Galway Flute Academy under Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway since 2020 and has participated in prestigious international programs such as Camerata Ireland, the Saline Royale Academy, the Scottish International Flute Summer School, and the Grolloo Flute Sessions in the Netherlands.
Martina’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. She has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Dublin Symphony Orchestra, RIAM Philharmonia, and Esker Festival Orchestra. In addition to her performance career, she teaches Musicianship in the Junior and Adult Divisions of the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She is also the Head of Education at the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival, Assistant Orchestra Manager of the Irish Baroque Orchestra, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Dublin Youth Orchestra. Martina is deeply passionate about sharing her love of music through her performances and her work as an educator. Her dedication, artistry, and versatility reflect her commitment to inspiring others and establishing herself as a prominent voice among Ireland’s emerging musicians.
