Mel Mercier's musical journey from UCC to UL

After 30 years in UCC, Mel Mercier has now taken up a post in University of Limerick, writes Colette Sheridan

PROFESSOR Mel Mercier, who was recently appointed chair of performing arts at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick (UL), says leaving UCC was a wrench. He became the first Head of UCC School of Music of Music and Theatre in 2009, but says his “antennae had been up for a while, looking out for new opportunities”. Mercier replaces Professor Micheál Ó Suilleabháin who will retire in June.

Ó Suilleabháin, who headed up the academy since 1994, is the reason why Dubliner, Mercier, came to study in Cork. “I spent 30 years at UCC, starting out as a student there and then teaching there since 1992 and becoming associate professor last year.” He spent three years teaching in the US but says that his time at UCC was the making of him as a musician and composer.