ARTIST PROFILE:
David Brophy

Dublin-born David Brophy is a graduate of Technological University and Trinity College. Appointed Apprentice Conductor with Chamber Choir Ireland, he became the National Symphony Orchestra’s first Assistant Conductor. Former Principal Conductor of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, he guest conducts with the Ulster Orchestra, and throughout Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

David’s collaborations with renowned soloists include Natalie Clein, Tasmin Little, Barry Douglas, Willard White, James Galway, Lang Lang, Danielle de Niese, Nicola Benedetti, Kim Criswell and Maxim Vengerov. Recent engagements include debuts with orchestras in Atlanta, Buffalo, Nashville, Naples, Pittsburgh and Washington. Work with new music ensembles include Vox 21 and Crash Ensemble (of which he is a board member), the Irish premiere of Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians, and world premiere of Nico Muhly arrangements for Iarla Ó Lionáird. David won Sky Arts’ 2013 Ignition Award for Mahagonny, co-produced by Rough Magic and Opera Theatre Company.

Collaborations with actors include Brendan Gleeson, Fiona Shaw, Stephen Rea and Adrian Dunbar. Opera includes Lyric Opera, Opera Ireland, and NI Opera. His Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires debut – A Streetcar Named Desire’s South American premiere – garnered widespread acclaim, as did his recording of Victor Herbert’s Eileen.

He has worked with singer-songwriters Eleanor McEvoy and Paul Brady; composers Shaun Davey, Neil Martin, Bill Whelan, Arvo Pärt, David Fennessy, Donnacha Dennehy, Gavin Bryars; traditional musicians Altan, Liam O’Flynn, Sharon Corr, Máirtín O’Connor, Lúnasa, The Chieftains, Clannad, Carlos Núñez, and Martin Hayes; and collaborated with U2, Christy Moore, Sinéad O’Connor, Phil Coulter and Neil Hannon.

David has broadcast on RTÉ, BBC, CBC, Sky Arts and Europe-wide with EBU, and recorded for Silva Screen, Lyric fm, Tara Music and New World. Television includes the National Concert Hall’s 25th anniversary gala, The Symphony Sessions (RTÉ) and Proms in the Park (BBC). Film credits include collaborations with directors Neil Jordan and Stephen Frears. He presented the multi-award-winning Instrumental, High Hopes Choir, David Brophy’s Choir of Ages and David Brophy’s Unsung Heroes (RTÉ). He has an honorary doctorate from the Open University.

In 2024, David was appointed chief conductor with WDR Funkhausorchester, Cologne.