Terry O'Connor (musician) facts for kids

Terry O'Connor (born Mary Teresa O'Connor) was an amazing Irish musician and teacher. She was born on October 14, 1897, and passed away on September 15, 1983. She helped lead the orchestra at Ireland's first radio station, 2RN. Terry also started the Dublin String Orchestra and taught music at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Terry O'Connor was born Mary Teresa O'Connor in a place called Johnstown, Waterford, Ireland. She was one of four daughters. Her father, James O'Connor, was a grocer.

Terry went to school at Ursuline Convent in Waterford and Loreto College in Dublin. She loved music and decided to study the violin at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM).

Before radio became popular, Terry worked as a musician in cinemas. She played the violin in a group called a string quartet. In 1922, her quartet even performed in Paris, France!

Joining the Radio Orchestra

In January 1926, Ireland started its first national radio station, called 2RN. Terry O'Connor was asked to join as a violinist. She quickly became the leader of the station's new orchestra. Her sister also played the viola in this group.

On December 4, 1928, Terry married David Glasgow. Even after she got married, she kept using her maiden name, O'Connor, for her music career. At that time, there were rules that often made married women leave their jobs, especially in public service. But Terry managed to keep her important role in the orchestra.

Leading the Orchestra

Terry O'Connor stayed as the orchestra leader when 2RN changed its name to Radio Éireann in 1937. The orchestra grew a lot, having 40 musicians by 1942.

On November 26, 1927, Terry led the orchestra in its very first public concert. It was a big symphony concert held in Dublin. She worked hard to make sure the orchestra performed well, even when it was difficult to find enough musicians.

Terry also worked with Michael Bowles to create a popular series of public concerts. These concerts started in 1941 and were held every two weeks. Terry often performed as a solo musician in these shows.

Teaching and Other Musical Work

In 1938, Terry O'Connor helped start the Dublin String Orchestra. She often conducted this orchestra herself. They played music by many different composers, including Brian Boydell and Frederick May. She also conducted for famous singers like Margaret Burke Sheridan.

Terry left Radio Éireann in 1945. After that, she focused on teaching music and conducting as a freelance artist. She was very skilled and had special licenses from the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music in London.

From 1948, she taught orchestra at the RIAM. She also taught at the College of Music in Dublin from 1954 to 1964. Terry was part of the group that set exams for the Department of Education. She also helped lead the Culwick Choral Society.

Terry was the music director for many local groups, including the Glasnevin and Rathmines and Rathgar musical societies. She even toured the United States twice, in 1955 and 1963.

Terry wrote an essay called "The String Player in Ireland" for a book about music in Ireland. She won gold medals for playing the violin, piano, and singing at the Feis Ceoil, which is a big music competition in Ireland. She also helped judge these competitions and had a special trophy named after her.

Terry O'Connor passed away in Dublin and is buried in Deans Grange Cemetery.