Cork cultural centre appoints US piano virtuoso as artist in residence

Juilliard alumnus and UCC artist in residence David Syme takes up his role at Ionad Cultúrtha in Ballyvourney in the new year

Pianist David Syme on stage at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. His tenure as artist in residence at Ionad Cultúrtha in Ballyvourney, Co Cork, begins in the new year. Picture: Joe Ladrigan

An American piano virtuoso who has made his home in Ireland, and made it famous for his ‘living room concerts’, has been appointed artist in residence at a leading cultural centre in Cork.

Juilliard alumnus David Syme, who has performed in venues including Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, and who has recorded two dozen CDs as soloist with The Royal Philharmonic, the Czech National Symphony, and the Mexico City Symphony, will take up his new role at the Ionad Cultúrtha in Ballyvourney in the new year.

Mr Syme was the Ritmüller classical artist in residence for UCC since 2021, he hosts an acclaimed music series, West Cork Living Room Concerts, from his home near Castletownbere, and he was granted an honorary diploma by the Royal Irish Academy of Music for his “contributions to the musical landscape of Ireland”.

David Syme has performed locally as well as further afield since making his home on the Beara Peninsula in 2005. He is pictured in 2011 playing for the since-deceased Maureen O'Hara on her 91st birthday at her home near Adrigole. File picture: Des Barry

His roles in Ballyvourney will include concert pianist, lecturer, and private teacher, but he said he plans to expand his participation into Irish traditional music.

“My two-year tenure at UCC was a treasured one, and significantly broadened my horizons in my beloved Ireland,” he said.

“A few years ago, legendary musician Peadar Ó Riada invited me to play in Coolea at his Féile na Laoch Festival of Heroes — a gigantic three-day outdoor gathering with my time slot at 4am following Christy Moore.

David Syme performing with the Cork Concert Orchestra under the baton of Roddy O’Keeffe at the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Gala Concert in Cork City Hall in 2019.

“There was pageantry and energy akin to Woodstock. This planted the seed for my future affiliation with Ionad Cultúrtha.”

Meanwhile, the brand ambassador for Pearl River Pianos is preparing for a concert with The White Horse Guitar Club and Emerald On Ivory in The White Horse in Ballincollig. The concert on Friday, January 5, starts at 8.30pm, with tickets, €22.50, available here on Eventbrite.ie.

He is also planning another home concert with Peadar Ó Riada as guest on January 21.