Michael McHale

Belfast-born Michael McHale is a Lecturer in Piano at the Cork School of Music, Munster Technological University. He has established himself as one of Ireland's leading pianists with an international career spanning solo recitals, concerto performances, and chamber music collaborations across major international stages including the BBC Proms, Tanglewood and Tokyo Spring Festivals, Wigmore, Cadogan and Barbican Halls in London, Berlin Konzerthaus, Lincoln and Kennedy Centers, Symphony Hall, Boston and Concertgebouw, Amsterdam.

McHale's research and performance interests center on classical piano repertoire with a particular focus on contemporary works and cross-genre collaborations. His work explores the boundaries of traditional classical performance while maintaining deep respect for historical interpretation. He has premiered numerous contemporary compositions including works by Irish composers Andrew Synnott and Linda Buckley, and has a special interest in expanding the piano repertoire through new commissions and innovative programming.

His recent performance activities reveal a strong focus on chamber music, particularly through his work with the McGill/McHale Trio, and collaborations with renowned musicians like Michael Collins, Sir James Galway, Barry Douglas, and members of the Wigmore Soloists. His performance schedule shows increasing engagement with contemporary repertoire alongside standard classical works, with upcoming concerts scheduled through 2025.

• Camerata Ireland Accenture Award
• Brennan Prize at Dublin International Piano Competition
• Field Prize at Dublin International Piano Competition
• Terence Judd/Hallé Award
• Major Individual Award from Arts Council of Northern Ireland

As an educator, McHale has given masterclasses at institutions including Catholic University (Washington DC), Montclair University, Southern University, Bowling Green University, Trinity College Dublin, Royal Irish Academy of Music, and for organizations including the Ulster Orchestra, Moving on Music and the Royal Tunbridge Wells International Music Festival. His teaching focuses on piano performance technique, interpretation, and chamber music collaboration. He maintains an active performance schedule while fulfilling his academic responsibilities at MTU.