Doris Keogh facts for kids

Doris Keogh (born April 16, 1922 – died August 10, 2012) was an Irish musician. She was a talented flute player and a very important flute teacher.

Doris Keogh's Life Story

Early Life and Music

Doris Keogh was born in Dublin, Ireland. Her first name was Doris Cleary. Her father, Victor-Louis Cleary, was also a professional flute player. He lived in Rathgar, Dublin.

When Doris was young, her mother passed away. She then lived with her grandparents in Howth for four years. She mostly grew up in Adelaide Road, Dublin. Her father taught her how to play the flute. Later, she studied with other teachers like Thomas Brown.

Doris also learned about music theory and piano. She studied at a music school in Dublin. Her flute teacher was Colonel Frederick Sauerzweig. Doris felt that her ballet classes helped her flute playing. They made her posture better, which is important for musicians.

First Performances and Fair Pay

Doris first played for the public when she was 14 years old. She played with her aunt Sylvia Dormer. This was at a concert in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin. In 1939, she won first place at the Dublin Feis Ceoil. This is a big music competition.

From 1944, Doris played with the Radio Éireann Orchestra. She also played with the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra. She noticed that women musicians were paid less than men. Doris worked hard to make sure women musicians were paid fairly, just like men.

Teaching and Founding Groups

In the 1950s, Doris focused on raising her family. Later, in the 1960s, she started working more as a freelance musician. This means she played for different groups and events. From 1969, she taught flute at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Many of her students became very successful musicians. Some famous students include Nicola Lindsay and composers John Buckley and Fergus Johnston. Jazz flautist Brian Dunning also learned from her.

In 1941, Doris helped start the Dublin Orchestral Players. This was a group of musicians who played together. In 1970, she started her own group called the Capriol Consort. This group performed old music from the 12th to 17th centuries. They even wore old-fashioned costumes! In 1976, the group toured Italy. Many of her students were part of this group.

Doris invited famous flute players to teach in Dublin. These included James Galway and Pedro Memelsdorff. By 1988, Doris was known as one of the most important flute teachers. She received an award for her work. In 1991, her students created the Doris Keogh Trust Fund. This fund helps young Irish flute or recorder players.

Retirement and Legacy

Doris retired from the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 1993. She received a special award called an honorary fellowship. She kept teaching music at another conservatory and also gave private lessons. Doris Keogh passed away in London on August 10, 2012.

Her Family Life

Doris met her husband, Val Keogh, at the music school. He was a photographer and also played percussion. They got married in 1947. Val later became the manager of the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra. They lived in Howth and had five children together.