Dr Emma O'Keeffe Awarded PhD

Dr Emma O'Keeffe.

The Ina Boyle Society is delighted to share the news that our great friend and Artistic Advisory Committee member, Emma O’Keeffe, has been awarded her PhD.

Emma has been a key contributor to the Ina Boyle revival over the last 9 years, and her PhD is a major piece of work, and one that focuses exclusively on the orchestral music of Ina. 


The following are extracts taken from Dr O’Keeffe’s thesis.

The title of this thesis is drawn from one of Boyle’s vocal works, No Coward Soul is Mine (1953), for contralto solo and string orchestra, based on a poem of the same name by Emily Brontë (1818–1848). The choice of title is a reflection of Boyle’s perseverance, determination and valiant commitment to her compositions. She must certainly be considered a heroine of twentieth-century Irish art music, and her once forgotten contribution is now being deservedly recognised. In a letter to Boyle, written in May 1937, Vaughan Williams acknowledged her tenacity and offered words of reassurance: ‘I think it is most courageous of you to go on with so little recognition. The only thing to say is that it sometimes does come finally’.

‘No Coward Soul is Mine’: A Critical Edition of Select Works by Ina Boyle (1889-1967).
Dr Emma O'Keeffe.

Through the creation of modern typeset scores, this project aims to improve the visibility of Irish women composers. More often than not, visibility comes through performance; therefore, creating digitally typeset scores is an important contribution to musicological scholarship in Ireland. Using essays, editorial policy statements and explanatory notes, the ultimate objective of this project is to produce a critical, typeset edition containing a scholarly curated text of the select works. It also aims to stimulate an interest in other scholars to discover Boyle’s music and to create future typeset editions from her large collection of neglected compositions.

“This project is the broadest Editing project of Ina Boyle’s compositions to date, exploring the different genres that she composed for, and by journeying through a selection of major compositions from different stages in Boyle’s life.”
— Dr Emma O'Keeffe

‘No Coward Soul is Mine’: A Critical Edition of Select Works by Ina Boyle (1889-1967).
Dr Emma O'Keeffe.

The editions produced as part of this project will give conductors, musicians, performers, scholars, and audiences greater insight into the original material and, in many cases, offer the first performance materials to accurately reflect the composer’s vision. In the case of Ina Boyle, who often composed quickly and created versions for a variety of ensembles and contexts, original manuscript sources contain numerous errors and inconsistencies.

The primary focus of the IBSL is to ensure that all of Boyle’s manuscripts are typeset and edited so that her music is readily available for performances. This project, therefore, aims to contribute to the current research on Boyle’s music. However, this recovered history of women in Irish art music, goes far beyond Ina Boyle in our understanding of Irish musical culture.

Boyle composed steadily throughout her life and her oeuvre covers a wide range of genres including, a substantial amount of choral, vocal and orchestral works, solo songs, chamber music, and various stage works including, three ballets and a single opera. The selection of works edited as part of this project explored one work from each decade of Boyle’s career in order to illustrate the breath of her compositional life. Beginning with her first completed orchestral work as a young composer, Elegy in 1913, to another first for the composer, a ballet, the Virgilian Suite, composed during one of her most creative periods, and finally, one of her last completed vocal works, Three Ancient Irish Poems in 1958. Although Boyle had a distinct preference for string writing, in particular the cello, this selection also demonstrates the broad range of ambitious ensembles with which she engaged.

‘No Coward Soul is Mine’: A Critical Edition of Select Works by Ina Boyle (1889-1967).
Dr Emma O'Keeffe.

The Ina Boyle Society extends its warmest congratulations to Dr Emma O'Keeffe on this wonderful achievement and looks forward to our future collaborations.

In memory of Dr Ita Beausang (1936-2024)

Image © Library of Trinity College Dublin.

Ita Beausang

The Ina Boyle Society is deeply saddened and moved by the passing of our dearest friend and Patron, Dr Ita Beausang.

It is no understatement to say that without Ita’s dedication and exploration of Ina Boyle's life and legacy, the movement to reignite this great Irish composer would simply not be. Ita was a remarkable force for Irish music and academia, leaving a legacy of her own that will be treasured by those who knew and loved her and in the future generations to come.

““Without the dedication and ongoing support of Ita Beausang, especially in the early days, the renaissance of Ina could never have happened and is her legacy.

Knowing and working with her over the years has been a privilege and a joy.
Her wise and loving counsel will be sorely missed.” ”
— Katie Rowan, Founder of IBSL
““I will remember Ita’s warmth and generosity, her spirit and enthusiasm shone through, and will remain with us all.” ”
— Emma Coulthard, Chair IBSL

A unique luminary of the music world and champion of Irish women in the arts, Ita will be profoundly missed by us all. As we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, we are committed to honouring her memory by continuing to promote Ina Boyle’s music, strengthened by the passion and vigour of Ita’s tireless work. We will be forever grateful to have known Ita and to have had the great joy of working alongside her. 

We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Ita’s family at this time.

Codladh sámh, Ita.

Ina Boyle performance in Canada

The Ina Boyle Society is always delighted to hear of Ina's music being heard across the globe. We were particularly thrilled about a performance earlier this month in Canada by Musicologist and Performer Dr. Orla Shannon.

Dr. Shannon, a guest speaker at a colloquium talk at the School of Music, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, performed Ina's songs, introducing them to new audiences.

Dr. Orla Shannon & Fergus Kwan: ‘Ina Boyle (1889–1967): A Journey of (Re)Discovery through Art Song’, School of Music, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Invited by Dr. Laurel Parsons, a pioneer in publishing analysis of music by women composers, Orla's talk, 'Ina Boyle (1889–1967): A Journey of (Re)Discovery through Art Song,' also included a performance of Ina's Three Medieval Latin Lyrics with a fantastic pianist, Fergus Kwan.

Dr. Orla Shannon & Fergus Kwan: ‘Ina Boyle (1889–1967): A Journey of (Re)Discovery through Art Song’, School of Music, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

As Ina's compositions continue to be performed worldwide, the Ina Boyle Society remains committed to sharing her legacy with future generations and thanks Dr. Orla Shannon for her continued support of Ina and her work, and for showcasing Ina’s music across the world in Canada.

Dr. Orla Shannon & Fergus Kwan: ‘Ina Boyle (1889–1967): A Journey of (Re)Discovery through Art Song’, School of Music, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Rediscovered Ina Boyle Sketchbooks

A truly wonderful occasion at Trinity College Dublin this month, when composer Mary Kelly donated two rediscovered treasures from Ina Boyle to The Library of Trinity College Dublin. These were two of Ina’s drawing sketchbooks that Mary’s father had saved during a public auction at Ina’s former home, Bushey Park.

The sketchbooks included portrait drawings by Ina Boyle of Clyde Twelvetrees, Charles Wood, C.H. Kitson, and Ina’s mentor and teacher, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Thanks to Mary’s wish to safeguard them, they will now be housed with Ina’s other artefacts in The Library of Trinity College Dublin.

“The legacy of Ina continues to grow, and we hope to attract more interest in her life and work, given the important place she holds within Irish Musical history.”
— Emma Coulthard, Chair IBSL

Attendees at the TCD presentation included composer Mary Kelly, Roy Stanley, and Jane Maxwell from The Library of Trinity College Dublin; Emma Coulthard, Chair of the Ina Boyle Society; Dr. Ita Beausang, biographer of Ina Boyle; IBSL Artistic Advisory Committee members David Byers, Ian Fox, and Dr. Kerry Houston; Diane Davison, former owner of Ina Boyle's home, Bushey Park; and David and Isobel Beausang.

L-R: Diane Davison, Dr. Kerry Houston, Mary Kelly, Ian Fox, Dr. Ita Beausang, Roy Stanley, Emma Coulthard, David Beausang, David Byers, Isobel Beausang and Jane Maxwell.

Image credit © Library of Trinity College Dublin.

Mary Kelly shares how she came to have the sketchbooks in her story, ‘Miss Boyle’s Sketchbook’.

““I grew up near Enniskerry village where Miss Boyle (children in those days always referred to adults by their titles so she will forever be Miss Boyle to me) was a familiar sight driving up and down to the village in her bottle green Morris Minor. My father and my aunts (who lived closer to Bushey Park than we did) used to tell me what a talented composer Miss Boyle was and that she was frequently performed by the BBC but was not appreciated in her own country.

As a young child, I had been to Bushey Park a few times. On one of these occasions, my friend and I were asked to deliver a message. Miss Boyle’s housekeeper brought us into the kitchen and offered us some orange squash. Children in those days were expected to politely accept hospitality. The problem was, Miss Boyle had a reputation for feeding the rats in her house, treating them as pets. We were concerned that perhaps a rat had been in the squash jug but good manners required that we drink it!

Though not known as the talented composer that she was and despite a reputation for being a little eccentric, Ms. Boyle was considered in the neighbourhood to be kind, modest and devout. After she died, my father brought me to the auction at Bushey Park. In the hall, there was a heap of rubbish in the corner clearly on its way to a dump. My father, an amateur artist who had an eye for such things, spotted a drawing book among the rubbish. He told me to pick it up thinking that there could be a few blank pages in it for me to draw on.

When we got home, we discovered her drawings. How glad I am that I did not draw on the backs of any of those pages! I kept the drawing book all these years hoping that one day, it would find a proper home. When I graduated with a B. Mus. in 1978, my aunts urged me to do a Masters on Miss Boyle. Life got in the way and I regret not having taken their advice but am so glad that she is finally getting the recognition that my father and my aunts knew she deserved.

I am delighted that the sketchbook will finally be where it belongs.”
”
— Mary Kelly, Composer

L-R Mary Kelly, Dr. Ita Beausang, and Emma Coulthard.

Image credit © Library of Trinity College Dublin.

Emma Coulthard, IBSL Chair on the donation by Mary Kelly: ''On behalf of the Ina Boyle Society, I am really pleased that the sketchbooks, which give us an intimate portrait of Ina, are going to be part of the collection at TCD. The legacy of Ina continues to grow, and we hope to attract more interest in her life and work, given the important place she holds within Irish Musical history. We would like Ina's contribution to be celebrated more widely and her work to be an inspiration to all who create or perform them.”

Upon presenting the sketchbooks to Trinity College Dublin, Mary Kelly said, “I am so happy that the sketchbooks are now where they will be well looked after,” and Roy Stanley from The Library of Trinity College Dublin wrote, “Thanks to this generous donation by Mary Kelly, future scholars will now have a more complete picture of the range of Ina Boyle’s talents.”

Ina Boyle biographer, Dr. Ita Beausang on the rediscovery wrote,: “The Sketchbooks are timely assets for future study of Ina Boyle's life. Mary Kelly's generous donation has kept them safe and Trinity College Library is the ideal place for Ina Boyle's archive.”

L-R: Diane Davison, Dr. Kerry Houston, Mary Kelly, Ian Fox, Dr. Ita Beausang, Roy Stanley, Emma Coulthard, David Beausang, David Byers and Isobel Beausang.

Image credit © Library of Trinity College Dublin.

IBSL would like to thank Mary Kelly for her generous donation, our attendees at the presentation, Jane Maxwell and Roy Stanley of Trinity College Dublin and Aileen Cahill from The Contemporary Music Centre Ireland for introducing us to Mary Kelly, enabling the presentation to TCD where the sketchbooks will be housed with Ina Boyle’s other manuscripts.

Ina Boyle on the BBC

Ina Boyle on the BBC

Image (c) BBC Friday Night is Music Night.

This Friday, November 8th, the iconic BBC Concert Orchestra takes the stage at the legendary Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth for "Friday Night is Music Night." The program will feature a performance of Ina Boyle's "Wild Geese."

Tickets can be purchased here https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ebwp8g and the concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Friday 22 November 2024.

 

IBSL Treasurer Position

Treasurer Needed: Promote the Legacy of Ina Boyle

Do you have the financial expertise to support a small but rapidly growing charity?

The Ina Boyle Society Ltd., committed to promoting Irish composers past and present, especially Irish women composers, seeks a dedicated Treasurer to join our team.

If you're passionate about music and making a difference, we encourage you to apply!

Full job description and application details below:
______________________________________________________________________
Ina Boyle Society

Registered Charity No. 1198331

Role Description 

Treasurer 

(Voluntary; Unremunerated) 

The Ina Boyle Society Ltd. was founded by Katie Rowan in 2020 to champion the music of Ina Boyle and of other neglected Irish composers, particularly women, whose music deserves to be heard more widely. The IBSL obtained charitable status in the UK in 2022.  

We are seeking a to recruit a Treasurer who will assist the Board of the IBSL in responding to the growing interest in Ina Boyle's life and music, as reflected in the increasing number of performances, broadcasts and premiere recordings of her orchestral, vocal and chamber works, both in the UK and internationally.  

The Treasurer will monitor the financial administration of the charity, reporting to the Chair and Board at regular intervals on the IBSL’s financial health, with a particular focus on budgeting and strategic financial planning, risk assessment and risk management. 

The role is a voluntary position and is particularly suitable for someone with appropriate financial qualifications and experience of, or interest in, the classical music world.

For further information about Ina Boyle and the work and governance of the Society, visit the IBSL website at www.inaboyle.org

Role of the Treasurer

The role of a Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs, ensure its financial viability and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained, in line with best practice and in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements. 

  • Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its needs. 

  • Preparing and presenting financial reports to the Board. 

  • Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place and that all financial policies and procedures, including the appointment of external financial advisors, are reviewed regularly.

  • Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans. 

  • Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and relevant statutory bodies. 

  • Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised externally, as required, and that any recommendations are implemented. 

  • Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities. 

  • Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation. 

  • Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the annual general meeting.

General responsibilities of a Trustee 

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the Treasurer as a Trustee has the following general responsibilities: 

  • Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction to the charity. 

  • Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.

  • Ensure the Charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives.

  • Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Charity. 

  • Be collectively responsible for the actions of the Charity and other Trustees. 

  • Participate in other tasks as arise from time to time, including recruitment and fundraising. 

  • Attend meetings and subcommittee meetings as appropriate and read papers in preparation for the meeting. 

  • Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work. 

In addition to the above, Trustees should use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on new initiatives or other issues.

Person specification 

The Treasurer should have the following skills, experience and knowledge: 

  • Fully qualified chartered accountant. 

  • Some experience and/or understanding of charity finance and fundraising. 

  • The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences. 

  • A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

  • Demonstrable interest in advancing the mission and activities of the IBS. 

IBSL

October 2024
To apply, please contact: inaboylecomposer@gmail.com

Ina Boyle performed at The Two Moors Festival

The Ina Boyle Society was thrilled Roderick Williams OBE and Christopher Glynn performed 'Songs of Travel' at The Two Moors Festival, including two Ina Boyle works, 'A Song of Enchantment' and 'The Joy of Earth'.

The recital also included music from Ralph Vaughan Williams, Joan Trimble, Rebecca Clarke, Freya Waley-Cohen, and many more!

Those in attendance included Adrian Boyle and Diana Thompson.

A full program list can be found here.

IBSL thanks Roderick Williams and Christopher Glynn for their wonderful performance and support of Ina Boyle and her works.

(From l-r), Diana Thompson, Roderick Williams OBE and Adrian Boyle at The Two Moors Festival, October 2024.

Image courtesy of Adrian Boyle.

Songs from the North of Ireland

IBSL is thrilled to share the upcoming global release of ‘Songs from the North of Ireland’, Carolyn Dobbin and IBSL Patron Iain Burnside’s programme of songs from two of Ulster’s 20th-century female composers, Dorothy Parke (1904-1990) and Joan Trimble (1915-2000).

Songs from the North of Ireland: Dorothy Parke | Joan Trimble.
Delphian.

““Dorothy Parke is well known for her songs for children but is revealed here as a much more wide-ranging composer, steeped in the folk melody and poetry of Ireland.””
— Delphian.

As champions of composers, especially Irish women whose music deserves wider recognition, we at the Ina Boyle Society are very much looking forward to this new release.

“Joan Trimble, an accomplished concert pianist, left behind only a handful of published songs but a small trove of manuscripts, including her opera Blind Raftery, written for BBC Television in 1957, two arias from which complete this journey of discovery.””
— Delphian.

The global release date for ‘Songs from the North of Ireland’ is 18th October 2024.

Please click here to read more.

Ina Boyle features on French album, Un Lieu À Soi

A recent review by Sophie Bourdais from Télérama, the weekly French cultural and leisure magazine about the classical album, Un Lieu À Soi (A Place of One's Own) celebrating female contemporaries of Virginia Woolf, including female composers such as Ireland’s Ina Boyle. This prestigious French recording covers 400 years of music and includes Ina Boyle’s Three Ancient Irish Poems with Maïlys de Villoutreys, Hélène Desaint, and Clara Izambert-Jarry.

Review from Télérama, words by Sophie Bourdais.

“In 1929, (Virginia) Woolf denounced the constraints that blocked women’s access to literary creation. These constraints also applied to female composers, and this double album gives them centre stage, calling upon contemporaries of the suffragettes (and Woolf) such as Ethel Smyth (1853-1944), Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979), and Ina Boyle (1889-1967)...”
— Review from Télérama, words by Sophie Bourdais.

English translation below:

ACTESIX - UN LIEU À SOI

Classical Music

Various Artists, Directed by Samuel Hengebaert

What do these two black and white squares hide, one fitting inside the other, accompanied by a booklet with a carefully designed graphic? A captivating anthology of four centuries of English music, concocted and curated by violist Samuel Hengebaert under the patronage of Virginia Woolf and her essay "A Room of One's Own." In 1929, Woolf denounced the constraints that blocked women's access to literary creation. These constraints also applied to female composers, and this double album gives them centre stage, calling upon contemporaries of the suffragettes (and Woolf) such as Ethel Smyth (1853-1944), Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979), and Ina Boyle (1889-1967), as well as their ancestor Lady Mary Dering (1629-1704) and their distant heirs. A lively dialogue is established between them and their male counterparts, who were more favourably treated by posterity: John Blow, Henry Purcell, Frank Bridge, and Benjamin Britten.

Structured around the three complementary voices of Mailys de Villoutreys, Anaïs Bertrand, and Lucile Richardot, whose a cappella trios punctuate the journey, the program mixes genres, moods, and eras, and gives pride of place to the great British song.

Violist Hélene Desaint, pianists Alexis Gournel and Adam Laloum, gambists Julie Dessaint and Etienne Floutier, harpist Clara Izambert-Jarry, and harpsichordist Ronan Khalil (founder, with Samuel Hengebaert, of the ActeSix collective and the Oktav Records label) accompany the singers but also indulge in instrumental solos, such as the spectacular sonata for viola and piano by Rebecca Clarke, with its fusion of lyricism and turbulence. In the chamber music bubble of this "place of one's own," where everything is linked with poetry, the imagination and emotions of the performers unfold freely and touch the listener all the more deeply.

Sophie Bourdais

2 CD Oktav Records

Ina Boyle features in "Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians" exhibition launch.

As Ireland celebrates its first gold medal of the 2024 Olympic Games, IBSL also celebrated a wonderful evening at the Waterford Gallery of Art launch of their exhibition "Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians," which features Ina Boyle's chamber work, ‘Lament for Bion’ (1944-45)."

Ina Boyle as featured in Waterford Gallery of Art "Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians" exhibition.
Image courtesy of Emma O’Keeffe.

Boyle was awarded a commemoration medal and Diplome d’Honneur in the music category of the Olympic Art Competition in 1948 for ‘Lament for Bion.’  Emma O’Keeffe, a final year research candidate at TU Dublin’s Conservatoire,  writes on ‘Lament for Bion’, “Like many of Boyle’s compositions, the work was not performed during her lifetime. Her Memoranda records a substantial list of failed attempts at having the work performed in Dublin and in London, and while successful at the Olympic Arts Competition, there is no evidence to suggest that it was performed during the contest.”

Waterford Gallery of Art "Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians" exhibition.
Image courtesy of Emma O’Keeffe.

Thankfully, a resurgence of interest and admiration is revitalising Ina Boyle's remarkable compositions. O’Keeffe continues, “In March 2022, ‘Lament for Bion’ received its premiere performance at the Emily Anderson Concert Hall, University of Galway, using the critical edition created as part of this project [O’Keeffe’s ‘No Coward Soul is Mine’: A Critical Edition of Select Works by Ina Boyle (1889–1967].

The performance was given by New Zealand tenor, Christopher Bowen, and the Galway Music Residency’s Ensemble in Residence, ConTempo Quartet, led by cellist and founder of the ConTempo Quartet (1995),  Adrian Mantu. The performance was part of the longstanding concert series, ‘Music for Galway’, funded by The Arts Council, and also included works by Ina Boyle's mentor, Ralph Vaughan Williams.”
© Emma C. O'Keeffe (2024)

Ina Boyle as featured in Waterford Gallery of Art "Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians" exhibition.
Image courtesy of Emma O’Keeffe.

Waterford Gallery of Art’s "Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians" exhibition runs from July 26th - November 26th 2024.

Waterford Gallery of Art "Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians".

Image courtesy of WGOA.

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RODERICK WILLIAMS PERFORMS SONGS BY INA BOYLE

Roderick Williams and Roger Vignoles.

The Ina Boyle Society was truly honoured that one of the UK's most accomplished and sought-after baritone soloists and composers, Roderick Williams OBE, programmed Ina Boyle's "A Song of Enchantment" at three recitals this summer. He performed alongside legendary pianist Roger Vignoles at this year's International Song Festival Zeist, the Cheltenham Music Festival, and the Buxton International Festival.

Composers Nicholas Marshall (L) and Cameron Biles-Liddell (second from right) with Roger Vignoles and Roderick Williams at the 2024 Cheltenham Music Festival.  

Ina Boyle in Waterford Gallery of Art's "Muscles & Mind" exhibition.

Waterford Gallery of Art exhibits "Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians" (July 26th - November 26th 2024) featuring Ina Boyle's chamber work, ‘Lament for Bion’ (1944-45). In the 20th century, Pierre De Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics, championed the link between sport and arts. Medals were awarded in architecture, music and literature and in 1948, Boyle's Greek-themed chamber work, ‘Lament for Bion’ was awarded a commemoration medal and Diplome d’Honneur in the music category of the Olympic Art Competition.

"Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians" (July 26th - November 26th 2024)

“…gentle Miss Ina Boyle from Enniskerry obtained a diploma in the music section for her ‘Lament for Bion’.”
— Máirín Allen (Honorary Secretary, Arts Section) account of the 1948 Olympic Games.

Waterford Gallery of Art writes, “The revival of the modern Olympic Games by Pierre De Coubertin embodied the ideal of a marriage between ‘Art and Sport, Muscles and Mind’. This exhibition features artists from the Waterford Art Collection who competed for Ireland in the Olympic Games from 1924-48 including: Jack B. Yeats, Letitia Hamilton, Séan Keating, Mainie Jellett, Fr. Jack P. Hanlon, Desmond Broe, Flora Vere O’Brien, Sir John Lavery, Sir William Orpen and more. Also featuring is the newly commissioned portrait of Olympic silver medal winner John Treacy by Sammy Kane, and ten open-call selected contemporary works on the theme of competition, representation and nationhood.” – Waterford Gallery of Art. Read more on the "Muscles & Mind" exhibition, here.

"Muscles & Mind: Irish Art Olympians" (July 26th - November 26th 2024) Waterford Gallery of Art.

Dr. Ita Beausang explores the background to Ina Boyle's commemoration medal and Diplome d’Honneur awarded in 1948. Click here to read more on our website.

‘Ina Boyle and her World’ performance in County Wicklow

Ina Boyle’s music was recently performed in her home county of Wicklow at the ‘Music in Calary Summer Series’ concert.

Sponsored by Wicklow County Arts, and staged in Calary Church, ‘Ina Boyle and her World’ was a stunning program with accomplished performances from Aileen Cahill, piano, Dr Orla Shannon, soprano and David Scott, baritone.

Music in Calary: ‘Ina Boyle and her World’

“I was particularly delighted to speak to some audience members who knew Ina from their childhood in Enniskerry.”
— David Scott

David Scott commented, "After many years of research and work on Ina Boyle's songs, it was a joy to perform them in her home county of Wicklow to such an enthusiastic audience at Calary Church. I was particularly delighted to speak to some audience members who knew Ina from their childhood in Enniskerry."

Aileen Cahill, David Scott and Dr. Orla Shannon

“Performing Boyle’s songs just ten minutes away from her home estate in Enniskerry was an extraordinarily intimate experience”
— Dr. Orla Shannon

Soprano, Dr Orla Shannon on the concert; “Performing Boyle's songs just ten minutes away from her home estate in Enniskerry was an extraordinarily intimate experience. It felt deeply authentic and heartwarming to share a selection of her vocal works from our recently published songbook in a setting so closely connected to the composer's life and with an audience so genuinely invested in her legacy.

Personally, the highlight for me was meeting attendees who had memories of Boyle as children; their stories allowed me to embody her songs with renewed sincerity and emotional understanding of both the elusive nuances and expressive depths that underpin her music. A true privilege.”

‘Ina Boyle and her World’

The evening included Ina Boyle’s music, Sleep Song, Joy of Earth and The Mill-Water, and the concert also featured works by Hamilton Harty, Charles Villiers Stanford, Rhoda Coghill and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

‘Ina Boyle and her World’ program

Ina Boyle at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival

IBSL was thrilled the music of Ina Boyle, including ‘The Stolen Child’, ‘Roses’ and ‘Himself and his Fiddle’, were part of the Irish Melodies event at this year’s Blackwater Valley Opera Festival in Villierstown Church, Co. Waterford.

This beautiful recital was performed by Laura Aherne, soprano, Stephen Walker, tenor, Georgia Cassidy, piano and Frasier Hickland, piano.

Laura Aherne - soprano | Stephen Walker - tenor | Georgina Cassidy - piano | Frasier Hickland - piano

Photo Credit: BVOF 24

This Irish Melodies event was a celebration of female Irish composers and also featured works by Rhoda Coghill and Elizabeth Maconchy, who along with Ina Boyle “represent vital threads in the fabric of Irish music, each composer offering a unique lens through which to explore Irish identity, musical innovation, and artistic expression.” (BVOF 2024)

BVOF Irish Melodies Recital:  Soprano Laura Aherne with Frasier Hickland on piano.

Photo Credit: BVOF 2024

BVOF Irish Melodies Recital: Tenor Stephen Walker with Georgina Cassidy on piano.

Photo Credit: BVOF 2024

“These female composers stand out for their exceptional contributions within classical and contemporary classical genres”
— BVOF 2024

For more information, please visit www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie

Murrihy and Martineau at Wigmore Hall review

Murrihy and Martineau at Wigmore Hall

A wonderful review by David Nice at The Arts Desk of Irish mezzo Paula Murrihy and Scottish pianist Malcolm Martineau’s recent performance at Wigmore Hall, that included selected songs from Ina Boyle’s Looking Back.

“Ina Boyle’s Looking Back, penned shortly before her death in 1967, stilled any questions about originality with the poetic essence so finely conjured, especially in the two timeless numbers about quiet and sleep.”
— David Nice, The Arts Desk

The full article is available to read on The Arts Desk site here.

Appointment of Emma Coulthard as new Chair of Ina Boyle Society

Appointment of Emma Coulthard as new Chair of Ina Boyle Society

As the Founder and chair of Ina Boyle Society I am delighted that Emma will take over from me as Chair. She is not only a practicing musician but also brings her experience in music administration and education in Ireland and the UK. We also welcome Róisín Jones as Coordinator (part time). She brings wide experience that includes Irish cultural projects.

Ina Boyle Society is at a time of change to meet the growing demand for the music of Ina Boyle and other Irish composers, particularly women. I look forward to working with Emma and Róisín, my fellow trustees, members of the Artistic Advisory Committee and our Patrons  in the exciting days ahead. 

Katie Rowan, Founder Ina Boyle Society Limited.