Eimear Quinn

2.1. Childhood and Education

Quinn joined her first choir at the tender age of four, marking her earliest exposure to organized musical performance. By the age of fifteen, she commenced formal vocal training under the guidance of Jody Beggan, a crucial step in honing her vocal abilities. Her dedication to music extended into her academic life, leading her to pursue and successfully graduate with a degree in Music from the National University of Ireland Maynooth. During her university studies, Quinn developed a particular interest in early music, which led her to become a founding member of the ensemble Zefiro.

3.1. Early Musical Activities and Ensemble Participation

Quinn's early career saw her deeply involved in the world of early music. As a founding member of the ensemble Zefiro, she explored and performed historical musical works. In 1995, she joined Anúna, a renowned Irish choral ensemble. During her tenure with Anúna, she recorded two albums, Omnis and Deep Dead Blue, both released in 1996, where she featured prominently as a soloist on several tracks. Her involvement with Anúna also included extensive international tours, with performances taking place in countries such as Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. It was during a performance with Anúna at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin at Christmas 1995 that her talent was recognized by songwriter Brendan Graham, who subsequently invited her to perform his composition "The Voice" for Ireland's entry into the Eurosong competition.

3.2. Eurovision Song Contest Win

Following Brendan Graham's invitation, Eimear Quinn performed "The Voice" as Ireland's entry in the Irish Eurosong competition. Her compelling performance secured her victory in the national selection, leading her to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1996 held in Oslo, Norway. Quinn's rendition of "The Voice" captivated the European audience, ultimately leading to her triumph and securing Ireland's seventh victory in the contest. This win significantly elevated her international profile and marked a pivotal moment in her career.

3.3. Solo Activities and International Performances

After her Eurovision success, Quinn embarked on an extensive solo career, touring and performing across the globe. Her international engagements included concerts in Australia, America, and throughout Europe. She graced the stages of many prestigious venues, such as The Royal Albert Hall in London, The Sydney State Theatre, and Forest National in Brussels. Beyond live performances, Quinn also made numerous television appearances and served as a presenter for television and radio programming for RTÉ and TV3 in Ireland.

3.4. Album Releases and Collaborations

Quinn has released several solo albums throughout her career, showcasing her versatility and artistic growth. Her discography includes:

• Through the Lens of a Tear (2001), an album she co-wrote and produced with Pol Brennan of the Irish band Clannad.
• Gatherings (2006), a compilation of music she had recorded over the preceding decade.
• Oh Holy Night (2007), a collection featuring carols, ancient chants, and new compositions. Quinn also produced and arranged this album with Martin Quinn at JAM Studios.
• Ériu (2020), which features new material composed by Quinn herself or in collaboration with acclaimed writers like Brendan Graham, Sarah Class, and John Sheehan. This album was recorded with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in Dublin.
• Breath Upon the Flame (2023), a digital release with the Dublin Brass Ensemble.
• Songs of Winter Dreaming (2024), a digital release.

Her collaborations extend beyond Pol Brennan to include Spanish artist Carlos Núñez, with whom she appeared on his album Yann Derrien and toured Europe. She also worked with film-maker Philip King on a documentary about her music and collaboration with Belfast-born composer Neil Martin. In 2020, she appeared on the album Natural High from composer Sarah Class.

3.5. Special Events and State Protocol Performances

Eimear Quinn has been invited to perform at numerous significant state occasions and special events, underscoring her stature as a respected artist. In 2006, she performed "The Voice" at "Ireland's Finest in Concert," a gala celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the National Concert Hall in Dublin; this performance was broadcast on RTÉ television and released on DVD. In 2007, the National University of Ireland selected Quinn to promote the study of Music at NUI Maynooth in a nationwide campaign. The same year, she collaborated with Philip King on a documentary for RTÉ1 Television focusing on her music and her work with Neil Martin.

Her performance of Oh Holy Night led to her presenting a television special, A Christmas Celebration with Eimear Quinn, on RTÉ1 Television in December 2008. In 2011, she was invited to perform for Queen Elizabeth II during her State Visit to Ireland. She gave a special concert with the Symphony Orchestra at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, in October 2012. Quinn also performed at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2014 to celebrate the state visit of Irish President Michael D. Higgins to the UK. Her performances at state occasions continued with the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland in 2019, and for HRH Prince Charles during St Patrick's Day celebrations in London in 2019. In 2019, she also performed "The Voice" for an audience of 10,000 people at the Ziggodome in Amsterdam. More recently, in 2020, she participated in a tribute to Irish artist Harry Clarke, hosted by the Irish Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva.

3.6. Recent Activities and New Works

In a November 2016 radio interview on RTÉ's Radio 1, Quinn mentioned that while she continued to tour, she had reduced her recording commitments somewhat after having two children. However, she later returned to the recording studio, releasing her album Ériu in 2020. This album features new material, some of which she composed independently, and others in collaboration with acclaimed writers such as Brendan Graham, Sarah Class, and John Sheehan. Her original composition, "In Paradisum," from the Ériu album, was notably chosen by listeners of Classic FM in the UK to be included in the station's "Hall of Fame" for 2021, making her one of the few Irish and female composers to achieve this recognition. Her new musical works are published by Peer Music UK.

4.1. Studio Albums