RIAM piano faculty Alexander Bernstein tackles Beethoven’s monumental Hammerklavier Sonata this Sunday for the fourth edition of the Dublin Piano Series. The Hammerklavier Sonata is widely recognised as one of Beethoven’s most challenging works. From its bold opening to the playful Scherzo, the deeply introspective Adagio, and the breathtaking fugue finale,this sonata is a true test of artistry and endurance. Ahead of the concert, we caught up with Alex to hear why this piece captivates him and what it means to tackle one of the most demanding sonatas ever written. Join us this Sunday as Alex ..read more

As part of his MMus mid-year exam, student Paul Kiernan arranged Pure Imagination, originally composed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, to incorporate quartal harmony as a foundational element to create a spacious and adaptable harmonic framework. Recorded in the Vernon Studio, the arrangement draws inspiration from the distinctive harmonic and rhythmic approaches of Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage," while Miles Davis' "Nefertiti," is evident throughout, and the soli section features a dialogue between quotes from Duke Ellington's "Rockin' in Rhythm" and melodic ideas. Composed by Leslie ..read more

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Listen to an exciting and excellent excerpt from Fnugg as Adam Buttimer performs Øystein Baadsvik's groundbreaking solo tuba piece. This piece blends rhythmic drive, folk, jazz, and innovative techniques like multiphonics and flutter tonguing. Inspired by the Norwegian word for "snowflake," Fnugg pushes the boundaries of tuba performance and showcases its incredible versatility ..read more

We recently had the chance to record Ella Nagy performing Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. A masterpiece, blending Hungarian folk-inspired melodies with virtuosic flair. Its dramatic contrasts between the somber, expressive Lassan and the fiery, energetic Friska make it a favorite among pianists and audiences alike. Ella effortlessly mastered this piece, bringing its rich Hungarian spirit to life. Ella is an Irish-Hungarian pianist currently studying on the Professional Mentorship programme here at RIAM having completed her Master in Music Performance degree with us last year ..read more

Before heading off on their tour of the US, The Sonic Quartet treated us to a performance of Sergei Prokofiev's String Quartet No. 2 "Kabardinian" I. Allegro sostenuto. This movement, much like the quartet itself, bursts with energy and character, opening with a bold, jaunty march inspired by Kabardinian folk tunes—a perfect showcase for their artistry and passion. The Sonic Quartet—Max Novojilov, Julia Antolec, Shane Quinn, and Doireann Ní Aodáin—have been on an incredible journey since they débuted as a quartet in a masterclass for the Schumann Quartet, as part of the inaugral Wigmore Hall F ..read more

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Considering perusing a Master in Music Performance degree at RIAM? Every applicant is automatically considered for the prestigious BVOF/RIAM John Pollard Bursary — a €24,000 award split over two years. With €12,000 each year, this bursary supports two talented MMus students annually, helping ease the financial pressures of postgraduate study so you can focus on excelling in your craft and academics. Applications for MMus study from September 2025 are now open. Here, Tenor Sean Tester, MMus Year 2, shares his journey as a Bursary recipient and reflects on how this support has shaped his experie ..read more

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