23 July 2023 at 20:00

Dónal McCann, organ

Born in Belfast, Dónal McCann is Assistant Organist at New College, Oxford. His musical education began as a chorister at St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast, before taking up organ lessons with Professor Gerard Gillen at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Dublin. At New College, Dónal is involved in all aspects of musical life, principally teaching music and accompanying the renowned chapel choir. Before moving to New College in 2020, Dónal was organ scholar at King’s College, Cambridge, where he read music, graduating with a double first. At King’s, he accompanied the world-famous chapel choir under the direction of Sir Stephen Cleobury and subsequently Daniel Hyde, playing for daily chapel services, as well as in recordings, tours and broadcasts, including the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. In addition to his work at New College, Dónal is co-principal keyboardist of the Oxford Bach Soloists. He has given many recitals in the UK and abroad, and has recently collaborated with the Instruments of Time & Truth, and appeared as a guest soloist with the Ulster Orchestra and Academy of Ancient Music. His playing was described as ‘authoritative as well as attractive’ by Gramophone magazine, and his debut solo album, Bach & Walther: Concerto Transcriptions, as ‘a wonderful showcase for his talents’.