Eric Sweeney (composer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eric Sweeney
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| Born | 15 July 1948 Dublin, Ireland |
| Origin | Dublin |
| Died | 21 July 2020 (aged 72) Waterford, Ireland |
| Genres | Classical, Minimalism |
| Occupation(s) | composer, conductor, lecturer |
| Years active | late 1960s–2010 |
Eric Sweeney (born 15 July 1948 – died 21 July 2020) was a talented Irish composer. He was part of a special group called Aosdána, which is for Ireland's best artists.
Eric Sweeney's Early Life
Eric Sweeney was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1948. He loved music from a young age. He traveled to many countries to study music. He learned in Ireland, England, Belgium, and Italy. One famous place he studied was the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia in Italy.
His Musical Career
Eric Sweeney wrote music in a style called minimalism. This means his music often used simple ideas that were repeated and slowly changed. He was inspired by other famous composers. These included Béla Bartók, Olivier Messiaen, and Steve Reich.
Sweeney created many different types of music. He wrote two symphonies, which are long pieces for an orchestra. He also composed five concertos, where a solo instrument plays with an orchestra. He even wrote three operas, which are plays set to music. He also wrote many choral works for choirs. One of his famous choral pieces was called Deirdre.
Eric Sweeney was also influenced by traditional Irish music. He used ideas from Irish airs in his compositions.
Teaching and Leadership
Besides composing, Sweeney was also a teacher and leader in music. He taught at the DIT Conservatory of Music. This school is now known as the TU Dublin Conservatoire. He also taught at Trinity College, Dublin.
From 1978 to 1981, he was the Choral Director at RTÉ. This meant he led choirs for Ireland's national broadcaster. In 1994, he earned a special degree called a D.Phil. from the University of Ulster. He later became the Head of the Music Department at Waterford Institute of Technology. He held this important role until 2010. Eric Sweeney was also a member of the Arts Council from 1989 to 1993. This council helps support arts and culture in Ireland.
Personal Life
Eric Sweeney married Sally Johnston in 1972. They had three children together. From 1981, they lived in Waterford, Ireland. He lived there until he passed away in 2020.
