Person to Person: 'As a pianist, I would like to be remembered as someone who took risks'

TELL us about yourself:

I’m a pianist, from Cork, and I’ve now been working professionally for six/seven years between my time in Ireland and the UK. I began piano lessons when I was 10 with a local piano teacher – Tracey Symon O Connell.

In 2016, I started my undergraduate studies in CIT CSM (now MTU) where I studied for my BMus under Eleanor Willis in my first year and Santa Ignace from years 2- 4. After graduating, I moved to London to continue my studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying under Caroline Palmer, where I did a masters in Collaborative Piano/ Piano Accompaniment. I now work full-time as a Graduate Music Assistant and pianist at The Harrodian School in Barnes.

Since I’ve moved to London, I’ve had the chance to perform in a wide range of venues across the UK like Wigmore Hall, Barbican Concert Hall, Milton Court, Leighton House and ROSL Princess Alexandria Hall.

Where were you born?

I was born in Lisburn, Co. Antrim, but moved to Cork with my family when I turned 3. Cork is really all I’ve ever known!

Where do you live?

I currently live in London, in a lovely flat with two other Irish people in South Bermondsey. It’s north of Peckham and east of Greenwich, so there’s always loads to do!

Family?

My mom and dad both still live in Gortroe in the house I grew up in. I have one younger sister who lives in Freiburg in Germany. My mother is from Monaghan originally, so I have loads of extended family from there who I see as often as I can.

Best friend?

Probably my metronome! It’s a device that produces a steady pulse to help me play in time!

Earliest childhood memory?

I have a very vivid memory of performing the coveted role of the angel Gabriel in Junior Infants. I remember taking it incredibly seriously!

Person who most irritates you?

Again, probably my metronome!

Where was your most memorable holiday?

This was less of a holiday and more of a day trip. My family and I would take a picnic to Lismore every May/June Bank Holiday. We would go every year since we moved down.

I have such a strong childhood connection to Lismore and the area around it - which makes BVOF mean even more to me. We would sit at these picnic benches by this little river and have Rock Shandy and Jamaican Ginger Cake, even in the pouring rain! The fact I can come back to the part of the country that added so much to my upbringing makes the memory even more special.

Favourite TV programme?

Such a bog standard answer I know, but I love F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I could probably recite every episode by now! I try to emulate Ross’ piano playing as much as I can in my performances (That’s a reference for the die-hard fans out there!)

Favourite radio show?

I listen to podcasts more than the radio if I’m being honest. My Pods that I have always on the go would be “How To Gael” with Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Louise Cantillon and Síomha Ní Ruairc, “I’m Grand Mam” with Cork’s own PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey, and “Classically Black” - That’s a great podcast that discusses classical music but with a funny undertone. It’s a great one to listen to as I get ready for concerts!

Your signature dish if cooking?

A healthy battle between spaghetti bolognese and whatever is cheapest on Deliveroo!

Favourite restaurant?

Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden - (Or the Roma Grill in Youghal!)

Last book you read?

The last book I read was The Life Impossible by Matt Haig. Only finished it about a week ago and I really enjoyed it! Made me want to book a flight to Ibiza!

Best book you read?

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.

Last album/CD/download you bought? The last new album that I listened to was Fantasie by Jeneba Kanneh Mason. It’s a really wonderfully curated album of piano music.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Lucas Debargue or Kate Lui. They have done some of my favourite interpretations of Liszt, Chopin and Ravel to date and I would love to see them live. That failing, probably Beyoncé!

Do you have a pet?

I don’t at the moment, but I have named all the cats who live in my estate!

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl by nature, morning person against my will!

Your proudest moment?

It’s a split between finding out I graduated with the highest results in my year or being awarded a bursary this year from Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.

The bursary isn’t something you can apply for, so I absolutely wasn’t expecting anything of the sort. I remember receiving the email about the bursary and calling my parents the second I read it. I was so shocked.

Spendthrift or saver?

I try to save as much as I can which is an incredibly difficult thing to manage when living in London. The BVOF bursary has really allowed me the freedom to afford coaching and a piano for my flat, which I can use to practice. That sort of assistance has been priceless to me and something I will always be grateful for.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Probably more access to regular and well-serviced public transport.

What makes you happy?

Tea and biscuits with my flatmates.

How would you like to be remembered? 

Quite a profound question!

I would love to be remembered as someone upbeat and positive with a good sense of humour and sense of self.

Ideally, I would like to be remembered for the way I affected people rather than the things I accomplished, which I think is safe to say for most people.

As a pianist, I would like to be remembered as someone who took risks. Even if my playing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I would rather they felt something than nothing at all – even if it’s negative!

What else are you up to at the moment? Alongside working as a Graduate assistant full-time, I still manage to fit some extra work in.

I recently performed for an Irish Heritage concert at the ROSL at the beginning of May.

I’m also preparing for a recital with Cormac O Briain for the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival in May 2026.

This support will not only help me continue pursuing my passion, but it also gives me the freedom to invest in my growth as a musician – from coaching sessions and lessons to finally being able to buy a piano for my home in Cork, so I always have an instrument to practise on when I’m back. I’m hugely grateful – I recently performed at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival with fellow BVOF Bursary winner Aimee Kearney at Tourin House, Waterford.