John Finucane

Professor John Finucane is a distinguished clarinetist, conductor, and academic affiliated with the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). He holds the position of Principal Clarinet in the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra since 1995 and has conducted major orchestras including RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra. As a founder of the Dublin Chamber Orchestra and Music Director of the Hibernian Orchestra for 30 years, he has pioneered chamber music initiatives like the Music In Monkstown festival in Dublin. His teaching focuses on clarinet performance within the Wind, Brass & Percussion department at RIAM.

Educationally, Finucane holds a BA (Hons) and LRAM qualifications. His artistic output includes acclaimed recordings such as French Holidays (2017) and the premiere recording of Grigori Frid’s Clarinet Sonatas (2018), praised for 'heartbreakingly beautiful' performances. A D'Addario Woodwinds Performing Artist, he maintains an active international performance schedule with engagements in China and Europe, balancing orchestral roles, solo recitals, and chamber collaborations with ensembles like the Ysaye Quartet.

His conducting expertise stems from mentorship under Janos Fürst and Albert Rosen, extending into educational outreach through RIAM and his festivals. Despite his busy performance schedule, Finucane remains dedicated to pedagogy, contributing to Ireland’s classical music legacy through teaching and cultural leadership.