Michael d'Arcy

Professor Michael d'Arcy is a renowned violinist and academic affiliated with the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), where he holds the position of Professor in the Strings department. He has performed internationally with major orchestras and served as concertmaster for groups like Camerata Ireland and RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Known for premiering contemporary works, he has showcased compositions by composers such as Ronan Guilfoyle and Hamilton Harty. His career spans solo performances across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

• Affiliations: RIAM (Professor of Violin), Camerata Ireland (Concertmaster), Former RTÉ Concert Orchestra Concertmaster (1994–2000)
• Key Roles: Soloist for Walton, Barber, and Glass concerti; advocate for underrepresented classical works

Research Interests: Specializes in violin performance techniques, historical performance practices, and the revival of neglected classical compositions. His work bridges traditional and contemporary repertoire, emphasizing Irish musical heritage through performances like Harty’s Violin Concerto.

Performance Highlights: World première of Ronan Guilfoyle’s Violin Concerto (RTÉ-commissioned), Irish premières of works by Penderecki and Adès, and collaborations with conductors including Barry Douglas.

Instruments: Plays on a 1710 Carlo Giuseppe Testore violin and a 2008 Roger Hansell violin.