Laoise O’Brien

Arts in Action brings a world-class programme of concerts and events to the University of Galway community.

University of Galway Arts in Action

O'Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance

Laoise O'Brien is a musician and producer based in Kilkenny City in Ireland. She divides her time between her music production company and her career-long championing of the recorder. She has spent the past twenty years championing an instrument often unfairly perceived as an instrument of torture. The particular sonority of a mass of small plastic recorders has left an unfortunate legacy on an instrument once known as the 'sweet flute'. 

Join Laoise as she embarks on a journey to tell the story of the recorder and its development during the ages. Part historical account, part personal voyage, Laoise will introduce you to the various sizes and styles of recorder, the vast amount of repertoire spanning nine centuries, and the many different uses for which the instrument was employed; from dances on the village green, to music composed by kings. This interactive presentation will include audio and visual elements, delivered in Laoise's inimitable style. 

As a performer, Laoise is in regular demand and has appeared as a soloist and guest musician with numerous ensembles including the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Irish Baroque Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Opera Theatre Company, Resurgam, Sestina, The Irish Consort, and Camerata Kilkenny. She is a member of the early music group, The Gregory Walkers and is one half of the duo, Temenos with clarinettist, Paul Roe. This unusual pairing of instruments has resulted in many new compositions for the duo.

Laoise holds a lecturing position at the TU Dublin Conservatoire of Music. She has previously lectured in the CIT Cork School of Music and is regularly invited to examine, adjudicate and deliver workshops in institutes around the country.

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