Rónán Murray - organist

Recorded at the organ of St. Joseph's church, Glasthule, Co. Dublin in January 2004.

For information about the organ follow this link: http://www.pipeorganpage.ie/node/52

J.S. Bach - Chorale Prelude; 'Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ' BWV 639

Rónán Murray was born in Dublin in 1977. His early musical training was with his father, Ciarán. Subsequent organ studies with Peter Sweeney at the Dublin Conservatory of Music and Drama were complemented by masterclasses from such leading organists as James David Christie (USA) and Ben van Oosten (Netherlands). Rónán is an Associate of the Royal College of Organists, and Trinity College, London. He is active as a freelance organist, pianist and composer. With a repertoire covering everything from traditional music and jazz piano, to classical organ music and improvisation, Rónán also writes and performs his own songs. He has made numerous radio and television broadcasts and is much in demand both as a solo artist and collaborator, including accompanying his sister, renowned soprano Niamh Murray. Recent appearances include the first Cork International Pipe Organ Festival in 2005 and a performance at the organ of St. Sulpice church, Paris on an organ that is surely one of the great musical treasures of the world.

Rónán has featured as musical director for many productions, especially variety concerts in venues throughout Ireland. He was a finalist in the Unisong International Song Competition 2004. He co-wrote and performed (with mezzo-soprano Maria de Moel) the musical theatre piece "Violating Messages: The Songs of Kurt Weill" during the 2005 Dublin Fringe Festival. His debut album of songs, Reasons and Seasons was released in 2006.

In August 2006 Rónán performed a recital at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, home to one of the greatest pipe organs in the world. April 2007 saw Rónán perform in Lodz Cathedral, Poland, where he returned in October 2014.

Rónán's interest in, and flair for, improvisation led to his improvising an entire soundtrack to Murnau's silent film masterpiece "Nosferatu", at Hallowe'en 2010 in Monkstown Parish Church.

In October 2011, Rónán gave the rededicatory recital on the fine pipe organ in the chapel of Blackrock College, his old school. This instrument was, under his guidance, substantially enlarged and improved by Trevor Crowe. August 2012 saw Rónán perform an organ recital on the great Casavant organ of St. John's Anglican Cathedral, Newfoundland, Canada. Since 1996, Rónán has been organist of St. Joseph's Church, Glasthule, Dublin, home to a magnificent organ which is also under the care of Trevor Crowe.

Upcoming projects include recordings of both organ music and his original songs. Rónán has frequently performed, as organist and pianist, on radio and television, both for RTE and the BBC, and is equally at home playing by ear, from memory, or with sheet music, in almost any genre.