GERALD PEREGRINE - cello

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'...Gerald Peregrine plays the cello as if born to it, with a deceptive effortless command of its expressive possibilities...' Irish Times

'...he has the gift of sharing a composers inspiration, delivering the music with its full emotional charge intact...' Irish Times

Gerald Peregrine is one of Irelands leading young musicians. The youngest member of a well known Irish musical family, his mother is the violinist Sheila O' Grady, his uncle the late great tenor Frank Patterson. Gerald began studying violin at the age of 3, but quickly fell in love with the cello at the age of 6.

Having studied in Ireland, Gerald began commuting regularly to London at the age of 15 for tuition with the late mentor William Pleeth, the former teacher to Jacqueline Du Pre. At 18 he was awarded a Foundation scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, London, with the renowned American pedagogue Steven Doane. Having gained a 1st class honours degree, Gerald was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to continue his studies at Indiana University, receiving tuition from Emilio Colon and Janos Starker. In 2007 he received a first class honours Masters from Limerick University, where he was RTE lyric fm Artist in Residence during his studies.

In 1996 Gerald won the String Category of the RTE young musician of the future. He was awarded many Arts Council Scholarships to assist with his tuition, as well as several college prizes.

On his return to Ireland Gerald was awarded the prestigious National Concert Hall Debut Recital, which he gave to acclaim in 2003. Gerald has been busy building a career as a soloist and chamber musician. He has made many broadcasts in Ireland, for RTE and BBC radio and television.

He has appeared as soloist with both Irish National Youth Orchestras, the National Symphony Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra and the Orchestra of Saint Cecilia. He presented two successful recital series at the National Concert Hall, featuring the complete works for cello and piano by Beethoven, Bach and Brahms, broadcast by Lyric fm. Recent highlights have included performances at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, the Camerata Ireland Clandeboye Festival, as well as trio recitals in France, London, Portugal, Spain, Italy and around Ireland.

Gerald is a founding member of Ensemble Avalon, with Ioana Petcu-Colan and Michael McHale. The trio are quickly establishing a strong reputation, with upcoming concert tours of Ireland, Holland, North America and the U.K. They are represented in Ireland by Music Network. See www.ensembleavalon.net for more information.

September 2007 saw the release of Gerald's first commercial cd, 'Heavenly', a collection of popular jazz standards. The release was accompanied by a national tour. More information can be found at www.geraldperegrine.com.