MORE ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The School comprises of over one hundred participants varying in age and standard, from amateur right up to professional level. The School provides the opportunity of taking exams with The Royal Irish Academy of Music, entering Feis Ceoil competitions at local and national level, auditioning for arts council grants and bursaries, performing in two School productions a year, partaking in Ceol Loch Garmans two week Summer Arts Festival, working with international tutors in the field of vocal, drama, dance and music studies.

The success of past and present students is more than evident on the international stage in opera’s, musical’s and international shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, where Deirdre’s students have successfully achieved the afore mentioned platforms. Similarly students have enjoyed success in competitions, recordings, radio and television broadcasts.



TUTORS

Deirdre has carefully chosen the following tutors to work alongside her students in preparation for productions, master classes or to teach in her absence when her own singing commitments does not permit her to be present throughout the School term:


DAVID WRAY
(Piano)

David Wray trained at Lancaster University and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London . He has since worked as a pianist and musical director and arranger in the fields of Opera and Music Theatre.
He was assistant to the director of The English Bach Festival, London, for three years with whom he appeared in many productions at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and throughout Europe. For this company he was Musical Director for productions of Dido and Aeneas(Queen Elizabeth Hall, London) and Handel’s Acis and Galatea (QEH, London and Barcelona),

In Ireland has been a repetiteur for seaons with Wexford Festival Opera and Dublin Grand Opera Society and has worked as a freelance vocal coach and accompanist with many appearances on RTE radio and TV.
David has been Musical Director for numerous productions in Ireland and beyond.

In 1998 David formed a new company Music Theatre Ireland. Their productions have included The Great American Songwriters Series (NCH, Dublin), Noel and Gertie (Opera Fringe Northern Ireland), A New York Songbook (Irish National Tour), Simply Sondheim (BBC N.I. recording/Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin) and Irish Premieres of Songs for a New World (Pavilion Theatre, Dublin), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Andrews Lane Theatre, Dublin) ‘The Last Five Years’(Pavilion Theatre, Dublin.

David is currently Musical Director/Arranger for Opera in the Open, Dublin (now in it’s twelth season), The Three Irish Tenors, The Irish Sopranos and Druid - a new male vocal ensemble. With these has toured the USA and in Europe and Far East.

Orchestrating arranging credits include CD recordings for Danna Davis (From New York), Ellen McElroy (Love’s Illusions), Nyle Wolfe (Moodswings/Homeground), Opera In The Open (10th Annivesary).Arrangements and compositions on the Druid CD - Come Follow Me.

Recent projects have been orchestrations and arrangements for Cork Opera House’s acclaimed production of Bryan Flynn’s ‘Michael Collins’ seen both in Cork Opera House and the Olympia Theatre, Dublin and a new Album for SImon Morgan (I’ll Be Seeing You) recorded in Prague with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

STEPHANIE BLACK


Stephanie lives in Ballygarrett, Gorey, Co. Wexford and is part of a very musical family. She studied Irish Traditional Music from a very young age and is a member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. She has won numerous awards for instrumental and singing performances throughout the years at County, Leinster and All Ireland Fleadh Cheoils. Stephanie also studied classical piano and received

her grades with the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
As an active member of the community of Ballygarrett, Stephanie voluntarily runs two very strong choirs in the parish. She is the Director of the Senior Church Choir and also the Junior Choir “Na h’Aingil Beaga” which has just over 20 members ranging in age from 4 yrs old to 14 yrs old. Both choirs have taken part in the annual summer concert in Ballygarrett and Na h’Aingil Beaga also performed with Anthony Kearns.

Stephanie was also a tutor in Oulart N.S. for a primary school traditional Irish singing initiative “Abair Amhrán ar an Sean Nós” supported by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council.

Stephanie was a member of the choral group Vocare in Wexford when they came 2nd in the Lyric FM Carol Competition in 2007, and then went on to claim the much coveted 2nd place in 2008 and 2009 at the National Choir of Year Competition in Navan. May 2008 also saw the choir take 1st place at the New Ross Aims Choral Competition. Stephanie performed with Vocare on the Late Late Show at the official opening of the Wexford Opera House in September 2008 and she also travelled to London with Vocare to join in “Singday 2008 A National Day of Singing with The Really Big Chorus” at the Royal Albert Hall.

Stephanie has studied with Deirdre Masterson for two years and has performed with Ceol Loch Garman in the Wexford Opera House and Gorey Little Theatre.


MORGAN CROWLEY


Award-winning performer Morgan Crowley enjoys a diverse, critically-acclaimed, international career.

In 2009, he performed with Cirque du Soleil, played the title role in Phantom of the Opera in the USA, returned to his recurring role in BBC’s Eastenders and a debut role in The Tudors, presented his cabaret in five countries, featured as an aerial artist in an historic event at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport to mark the city’s 20th Anniversary, recorded with Kylie Minogue for Australian phenomenon The Wiggles, guested at the MTV Awards with Sophie Ellis-Bextor and premiered several new classical works in London, Dublin and New York.
2010 highlights include a world premiere opera showcase in New York, a return to Broadway in a solo-show, debut at National Theatre, a TV/video campaign for Microsoft, a return to Radio City Music Hall New York, a Handel opera in Dublin, a role in a Hollywood horror movie, concert series with National Concert Orchestra in Ireland and the launch of a new CD featuring his own compositions. He finished 2010 playing the role of Bob Cratchit in the West End’s Palladium production of Scrooge.

2011, to date, has seen him perform in a sold-out run of a play by Frank McCourt off-Broadway, return to Ireland to guest with The Three Tenors, direct four operas and a show at The Helix, write a new setting of The Mass and several arrangements for various artists and churches, feature in Purcell’s “Dido & Aeneas” and Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro”, guest with The Chieftains, return to Broadway for an orchestral series and tour Holland as a guest of “Druid”.

Broadway / West End / International Theatre / Film / Radio credits include Far & Away (Tom Cruise/Nicole Kidman), The Snapper, Riverdance, Chicago, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Carousel, Les Miserables, A Grand Night For Singing, West Side Story, Abbey Theatre Writers’ Festival 2010, Carnegie Hall Gala, Radio City Music Hall, Friday Night is Music Night, The Vatican, Hyde Park, Deutsche Welle Radio Series, Royal Opera and Royal Ballet, Covent Garden.

Concert and cabaret work to date includes BBC Big Band Series, the Carnegie Hall Gala, London’s Royal Festival Hall, Royal Command Performance in association with BBC, Grammy-nominated live CD recording, the Academy Awards in LA, BBC’s legendary Friday Night Is Music Night, Feinstein’s on Broadway, Sydney’s live televised “Carols in the Domain” and performing for Popes, Presidents, International Royalty and Heads of State. He was also the artist chosen to launch the exclusive cabaret lounge at London’s most famous hotel – The Savoy in October 2010.

Morgan’s awards include John McCormack Award (youngest-ever winner), Luciano Pavarotti Radio Prize (youngest-ever winner), Evening Standard Critics’ Choice Award, Outstanding Male Entertainer (IMTA), Top Ten International Voices of Musical Theatre (BBC – in conjunction with Cardiff Singer of the World competition), Favourite all-time performers at Feinsteins (Broadway.com), Outstanding Performance in a TV special (RTE/UTV), in addition to other awards for composition and arranging. his debut solo album spent 12 weeks on the US International Bestsellers List and won Best Newcomer nomination in Asia. His new release of original compositions (“as large as alone”) has already won praise from multiple Grammy-winners Brian May, Bill Whelan, David Foster and BBC.

Morgan Crowley’s equally diverse training has included drama at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) and the Lee Strasberg Institute in Hollywood ; music at the Royal Academy of Music and the College of Music ; dance at the National Dance Centre in Dublin and the London Dance Studios; He is also holds a Masters Degree from Trinity College Dublin.


DENISE BRENNAN

Denise began her singing with the wonderful Sr. Agnes Cecelia Nolan through her years at St. Mary's College Arklow where she excelled in singing examinations with Trinity College. Denise then went on to train with legendary vocal coach Dr. Veronica Dunne at the Leinster School of Music and Drama and worked with renowned repetitaire’s Jenny Reddin and Alison Young.

Denise took up voice studies with the exceptionally talented Deirdre Masterson for many years and also studied composition, history of music and aural at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for two years. Denise under took master classes with Ronan Tynan (The Irish Tenors), Bill Lewis ( MET Opera New York), Morgan Crawley (West End Performer), Taylor Wilson UK (Mezzo Soprano) & Linda Hutchinson. Denise is currently undertaking a BA in Music Theatre studies with the head of vocal studies in Surrey, England Ross Campbell.

Along with Denise's vocal training she has also studied Speech & Drama and holds diplomas and certificates in both singing and acting through the Irish Board of Speech and Drama, London College of Music and The Royal Irish Academy of Music. Among Denise’s awards throughout the years at Feis Ceoil and Arklow Music Festival’s winning 1st, 2nd places in solo singing & acting competitions, Denise was recently awarded the Pearl Atock Trophy and Gold Medal at the ESB Feis Ceoil in Dublin.

Denise is a professional touring artist and has been performing professionally at home and abroad throughout concert halls, opera houses and theatres since the age of 18. Denise has enjoyed international touring success, taking centre stage in hit shows such as the internationally acclaimed “Women of Ireland” show in which Denise is a featured soloist. Denise also toured for a year with Bill Whelan’s "Riverdance The Show" and toured as a Celtic soprano soloist with the "The Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra". She also enjoyed performing as a soloist at the prestigious Bunratty Castle, Irelands National Concert Hall, The Helix Dublin as a soloist with the Applause Concert presented by "AIMS" and Ireland National Events Centre “INEC” where Women of Ireland as well as Frankie Gavin and De Dannan took up a three month summer residency to great success. Denise's voice can be heard on CD and DVD recordings made with The Dublin Gospel Choir, The Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra and Women of Ireland where Denise is a featured soloist. Denise sang for the Irish Consulate and his guests at his family home while in New York city. She took to the stage at Croke Park and performed in front of an audience of thousands for the 2003 Special Olympics with Riverdance and an international TV audience of millions. "Women of Ireland"were nominated for the best new comer group award at Irelands Music Awards alongside The High Kings.

Denise has worked with conductors Colman Pierce and Derek Gleeson during the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra's inaugural tour of the USA. While on tour, Denise performed many songs by Irish composers including "Deirdre of the Sorrows" by Patrick Cassidy, "Suintrai" by Andea Malir, Isle of Hope & Caledonia arranged by Carl Hession and Vincent Kennedy’s very beautiful arrangement of "Mary of Dungloe" which Denise premiered in Modesto California.While at home, Denise is busy on the wedding circuit, as a concert performer and teacher of singing and drama. Denise has worked at The Co. Wexford School of Music, Innovations Theatre School, and privately where students have excelled vocally and in performance. Denise's students have been credited through the Royal Irish Academy of Music and achieving 1st & 2nd place at Feis Ceoil, Arklow and Kilcoole music festivals. It is a joy for Denise to nurture guide and support talent and see her students excel in a fun, encouraging and professional learning environment.

Denise has played many leading roles with musical theatre companies in Ireland and has experienced a great love for the theatre. Her favourite roles to date include Dorothy "The Wizard of Oz" with St. Marys College Arklow at the age of 13, Nancy "Oliver", Mary Magdalene "Jesus Christ Super Star", Laurie "Oklahoma" & Sarah Brown "Guys & Dolls. Other roles include...Molly Cassidy in the "Ha'penny Bridge and Yum Yum in "The Hot Mixado". Denise took on the Role as Musical Director for Gorey Little Theatre’s production of Aladdin and thoroughly enjoyed the experience; other shows include Godspell, Wizard of Oz and Oliver.
Denise sang with wonderful late Christy Hennessey and recorded his famous song "If you were to fall" on her album "Sailing with the Wind" which was reviewed in Hotpress magazine by Jackie Hayden - "Given the extraordinary success of Celtic Women in the US and elsewhere Brennan could do extremely well".


CHLOE KENNY

Chloe Kenny is a 23 year old soprano from Oulart. She has been a student of Deirdre Masterson for the last ten years and has been a teacher wit Ceol Loch Garman for the past four years.  Chloe has completed her Senior Certificate in both classical and music theatre singing with the Royal Irish Academy of music and achieved a distinction in both of these exams.


Chloe has a lot of experience on stage-she has taken part in all but one of Ceol Loch Garmans productions since the school opened. She has also taken part in numerous musicals and pantomimes. Chloe has worked with vocal coaches such as Linda Hutchinson, Ronan Tynan, Morgan Crowley and Taylor Wilson and is currently furthering her studies in the Music Theatre genre.

Chloe has been a prize winner in numerous feis ceol and in has also been awarded an Emerging Artists Bursary from Wexford County Council.


JULIE KINSELLA


Julie has been performing as a dancer/singer from the age of 4 years having began her training at the Billie Barry Stage School in Dublin. She spent many years performing in productions in both the Gaiety and Olympia Theatres Dublin. She was a regular performer in the Gaiety Theatre Pantomimes and Gaels of Laughter with Maureen Potter.

Julie played the role of “Pepper” in the original Irish production of “Annie” also in the Gaiety Theatre. Throughout her time at the Stage -School she performed in many professional productions both for Stage and Television, and other work included radio/television voiceovers and commercials.

Julie has been involved with many Musical Societies and Productions over the years both on the amateur and professional scenes, She has played a wide variety of roles some of her favourites to date being: Diana Morales - A Choras Line, Martha - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Nikki - la cage Aux Folles, Calamity - Calamity Jane , The Hunjak - Chicago, Mama Inez - Viva Mexico and Rosalia - West Side Story.

Julie has also been a regular performer for many years with Festival Productions and Lyric Opera at the National Concert Hall Dublin.

Since returning to Gorey, Julie has been involved with Gorey Musical Society and has played the roles of ‘Fruma Sarah’ in Fiddler on the Roof and ‘Gloria’ in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Praskovia in their 2011 production of the Merry Widow She was also ‘Dance Captain’ for these Productions.

Julie has assisted the well renowned Choreographer Siobhain McQuillan on various productions over the years and have been Aims Awards Recipients in the past.
Her own chorographical work includes : The Magic of Christmas 2010 - For Jim Molloy Productions/ Ceol Loch Garman at the Wexford Opera House, Ceol Loch Garmans end of year Vocal Concert at Gorey Little Theatre (July 2011)and Dancing at Lughnasa - for Gorey Theatre Players (Aug 2011)

Julie is currently studying Musical Theatre under the direction of Deirdre Masterson, and has attended vocal master-classes with Linda Hutchinson (British Vocal association) and Ross Campbell (Guildford - GSA).

KAREN McGILL

A native of Killorglin, Co. Kerry, Karen McGill cuddy is a primary school teacher in St. Enda's N.S., Ballycanew, Gorey and was also the 2009 Kerry Rose. She got her first taste for the stage as a 'Cutest Kiddie' with the Killorglin Pantomime group when she was eight. Karen received a Bachelor of Education with music from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick in 2006 where she specialized in Music and Drama in education, in her final year.

She has a senior certificate in speech and drama and effective communication with the Leinster School of Music and is currently studying for a diploma in piano with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. A soprano and in training with Deirdre Masterson, she has previously studied voice under Muireann Joy, Aine Joy, Aine Ni Ghabainn (Killorglin), Jean Holmes (Limerick) and Morgan Crowley (Dublin). Karen was a member of the Irish Youth Choir as well as the Killorglin Chamber Choir, where they won the cork choral festival in 2004 as well as the Welsh Choral Festival in 2002. Karen was runner up in the Kerry Young voice of the Year and has won many Feis ceoil titles. She has worked with many musical societies throughout Ireland: Midas Musical society Limerick, Gorey Musical Society in Co. Wexford and Carnew Musical society in Wicklow as well as Ceol na leamhna in Kerry. Roles include: Laurey in Gorey's musical society's award winning production of ‘Oklahoma’, Starbuck in ‘Moby Dick’, Peep Bo (one of The Three Little Maids) in ‘The Mikado’, Lucille in ‘Viva Mexico’ as well as Biddy Donoghue in the Irish premiere of ‘Johnny Patterson’ which toured Ireland last year. Karen has also performed with ‘Lyric Opera’ in Dublin where she starred in 'La Boheme' in the National Concert Hall. In 2009, Karen along with Bridget Nolan formed ‘Eriú’, a new and exciting classical crossover duo and together produced their debut CD ‘Celtic Enchantment’. Karen is a regular performer at concerts, recitals and festivals throughout Ireland and is also the conductor of the national school choir in Ballycanew.

KEVIN LAWLOR

Kevin Lawlor (BAJP, LGSM) is a working drummer based in Wexford. He has studied in New York, Austria and studied for a Degree in Jazz in Newpark Music Cente in Dublin. He regularly performs with the Johnny Stewart Trio (Irl) Dave Jones Quartet (UK) an 18 Piece Big Band and free-lance with many jazz musicians around Ireland. 

Kevin is an experienced educator having done workshops and preparing students for grade exams. 


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