Seán Doherty is an award-winning composer from Ireland whose captivating compositions are fast becoming a favourite of choirs worldwide. His music has a deep connection to the text, often with strong moral and social themes. Seán’s work has been described as ‘unfailingly gripping’ (Irish Times) and music of ‘power, subtlety and richness’ (Josep Vila i Casañas: World Youth Choir).
He was first introduced to music through the Irish fiddle tradition of his hometown of Derry. As a teenager, singing in a performance of Duruflé’s Requiem inspired him to begin composing. He went on to read music at St John’s College, Cambridge, after which he completed a PhD in musicology at Trinity College, Dublin. Seán compositions draw inspiration from a wide variety of musical influences, from arcane medieval techniques to electronic dance music.
Seán’s choral works have been performed by choirs including the Stellenbosch University Choir, the National Youth Choir of Scotland, Ex Cathedra, the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge; New Dublin Voices and the World Youth Choir. His music has also garnered numerous awards including the Choir and Organ Magazine composition competition and Béla Bartok Competition, Hungary.
Seán’s chamber and orchestral works have been performed by the Vanbrugh String Quartet, Barry Douglas and Camerata Ireland, and the Kensington Symphony Orchestra.
Seán is an assistant professor of music in Dublin City University, where he leads a Masters in Choral Studies with his colleague Dr Róisín Blunnie. He is active as a choral singer, singing with the internationally acclaimed chamber choir New Dublin Voices, conducted by Dr Bernie Sherlock, who have premiered many of his works. His choral works are published by Cailíno Music Publishers.
