Dr Ryan Molloy of Maynooth University's Department of Music has been named as Composer of the Year 2024 by Gradam Ceoil TG4.
Dr Molloy is a composer and performer from Co Tyrone and is currently Associate Professor of composition at Maynooth University. His music has been recorded on over thirty albums and his repertoire spans numerous genres from traditional Irish music to contemporary classical music. He has worked with a host of internationally renowned artists such as Fergal Scahill, Seán Óg Graham, Paddy Glackin, Iarla Ó Lionáird, North Cregg, Barry Kerr, the Danish String Quartet, the Ulster Orchestra, and Irish Chamber Orchestra.
He has written over fifty works and his music has been performed to audiences on four continents for over twenty years, as well as featuring regularly in national and international TV and radio broadcasts, including BBC, RTÉ, TG4 and RnaG. As a composer, he has represented Ireland at the prestigious ISCM World New Music Days festivals in Hong Kong, Vancouver and Auckland/Christchurch.
Described as a ‘milestone’ in traditional piano performance, Ryan’s critically-acclaimed first solo recording pianophony was released in 2019 and earned him two RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards nominations in 2020 and 2021. That year also saw the release of Tempered, a new CD of music for uilleann pipes and piano, as well as a digital EP featuring the 30-minute song cycle Buaine na Gaoithe performed by its commissioners, The Damselfly Trio.
Since 1998, Gradam Ceoil TG4 has been recognising and celebrating the best in traditional music performance and cultural impact across seven categories. It also seeks to amplify the success of recipients by making their music, song and dance available to global audiences through TG4 broadcasts. The selection process for Gradam Ceoil TG4 recipients is undertaken by an independent panel, some of whom are past awardees and all of whom play or work within the tradition.
Other recipients of this year's awards include Irish dancer and choreographer Jean Butler, who has been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards ceremony and gala concert takes place at The University Concert Hall in Limerick on Sunday, May 5 at 9:30pm and will be broadcast live on TG4 and across the globe on the TG4 player.
“TG4 is delighted to be afforded this opportunity to recognise these stars that shine bright within our tradition,” said TG4 Commissioning Editor, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne. “Gradam is a token of gratitude from us to the many performances who grace our traditional music programs week in, week out. We are delighted that we can help bring their music to global audiences through the live broadcast of Gradam Ceoil 2024 on TG4’s broadcast platforms. Comhghairdeas leis na faighteoirí uilig.”