Dónal sits down with Rebecca Gilbert of the Irish Institute of Music & Song. Rebecca Gilbert is Director of Operations for Fingal International Festival of Voices (FIFOV). She has played a vital role in setting up the festival in its inaugural year, and talks about the various phases of the process. She also discusses her passion for barbershop singing and her previous careers in medicine and insurance. To find out more about FIFOV, visit www.fingalfestivalofvoices.com ..read more

In the very first episode of the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) podcast, Dónal Kearney speaks to Michael T. Dawson, Artistic Director of the Fingal International Festival of Voices to discuss the origins of the festival. Chatting just four weeks before the inaugural festival opening, Dónal and Michael took time out of their hectic preparations to discuss the concept behind the festival and how it became a reality. Fingal International Festival of Voices takes place 12-15 March 2020 in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. Full details on the festival here: www.fingalfestivalofvoices.com For more a ..read more

Niall Murphy is one of the most talented fiddle players to have toured the world. He is a 5 time National Fiddle Champion, 3 time 'Fiddler of Oriel' and winner of 'Fiddler of Do'.  Niall has toured with many global talents such as Nathan Carter, Cara Dillon, Breaking Trad, Doolin, The Roots Revival and many more. Listen to his wonderful chat with Dónal about everything fiddle, and also many of his recordings throughout the podcast ..read more

Paul is a writer, actor, musician and performer who plays George Washington in 'Hamilton: The Musical'. Listen to Dónal & Michael converse with Paul about his amazing piece of work, and also hear clips from the Musical run through! Paul was an Artist in Residence here at the IIMS along with Nikhil Saboo for six weeks at the start of the year.  Paul is an extremely talented and affable musician. We can't wait for you to listen to this special episode ..read more

Cibele Sabioni is a music educator from Brazil, specialising in vocal & Choral music. She is a conductor and the creator of Coro Do Zero which translates to "Choir from Scratch". Coro Do Zero is a bilingual online search for choral practitioners.   Enjoy her conversation with Dónal where they discuss Cibele's fantastic work, especially since last March, and how she has been able to build her online following while working from home ..read more

In episode 38 of the IIMS Podcast, Dónal speaks to Fiona Flynn of Fiona Flynn Performing Arts. Fiona continues to put life and soul into the music education of students around Newry.  Listen to her thoroughly interesting conversation with Dónal about her experience teaching music and she uses the power of music to bring her local community together ..read more

In episode 37, we speak to Paul Oakley Stovall, who plays George Washington in the national touring cast of "Hamilton: An American Musical". Paul is also a critically-acclaimed writer for theatre, film and television.   Along with Nikhil Saboo (episode 36), Paul arrived at the Irish Institute of Music & Song as our very first Artist-in-Residence. During their stay here in Balbriggan, Nikhil is developing and workshopping his very own musical, entitled "CLEAR".   In his conversation here with Dónal and Michael, Paul discusses his experience playing George Washington as a black man ..read more

In episode 36, we chat to Nikhil Saboo, member of the original Broadway cast of "Mean Girls: The Musical" and Thomas Jefferson in the national touring cast of "Hamilton: An American Musical".   Nikhil arrived at the Irish Institute of Music & Song with Paul Oakley Stovall as our very first Artists in Residence! During their stay here in Balbriggan, Nikhil will be continuing to write his own music and focus in on his craft.   In his conversation here with Dónal in episode 36, he discusses how he found his way to the biggest stage on earth and how others may follow in his footsteps ..read more

The Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS) podcast hosts conversations with performers, academics and educators from all over the world. The podcast is curated by Dónal Kearney in Dublin, Ireland.   In episode 35, we chat to Evonne Ferguson, the director of the Contemporary Music Centre.   From DIY radio programmes and writing reviews of her favourite albums in secondary school, to her MPhil in music and media technologies, Evonne has always been passionate about music and radio. A passion which led her to joining Lyric FM in its infancy in 1999.   Evonne took all her wonder ..read more

The Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS) podcast hosts conversations with performers, academics and educators from all over the world. The podcast is curated by Dónal Kearney in Dublin, Ireland.   In the Song Series, we talk to songwriters, singers and song-lovers.   In episode 34, we speak to Suzanne Savage, a wonderfully talented songwriter, singer, violinist & band leader!   The Belfast native has been releasing music on her own and with her hugely talented band - The Savage Five. The quintet released a fantastic debut album 'Sleepwalking' in 2016.   Enjoy her ..read more