Remembering Geraldine O’Grady

Words Patrick Cassidy

For any aspiring musician, having a role model can provide invaluable inspiration. For me, that person was my cousin, the renowned violinist Geraldine O’Grady. By the time I began to consider a career in music, she had already established herself internationally, and her great achievements gave direction to my earliest aspirations.

Music was the thread that ran through our family, but Geraldine showed what a truly gifted musician could achieve. She possessed extraordinary natural ability and musical intelligence, combined with the drive, charisma and graciousness that made her the exceptional musician she was. As a young composer, I was very aware of her remarkable talent. Yet what also left a strong impression on me was the professionalism and commitment with which she approached her craft, qualities that sustained her throughout her career. For those of us who hoped to follow a similar path, she showed what could be achieved.

At sixteen, she left home for Paris on a scholarship to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique, where she studied with the distinguished French violinist Jean Fournier. She became the first Irish student to graduate from the Conservatoire, earning the Premier Prix along with three special prizes: the Prix Saraste, the Prix Milanello and the Prix Christine Nilsson.

On her return to Ireland, she was appointed leader of the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra, now the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and went on, after her time there, to pursue a highly successful solo career.

Yet for all her distinction, Geraldine remained warm, generous and quietly encouraging. For someone who had achieved so much, she carried her success with grace and was always willing to support others in any way she could, sharing her knowledge, her experience and her belief in them. Through her commitment to her art, she influenced generations of Irish musicians and leaves an enduring legacy.

I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing. My sincere condolences to her husband Des, daughter Oonagh, grandchildren Ruadhán and Aoibhín, her sister Sheila, and to all who knew and loved her.

Thank you, Geraldine, for your generosity, your example and your inspiration. Your influence will remain with me always. 

• ‘Remembering Geraldine O’Grady: A tribute to the acclaimed Irish violinist’ is published in Anthology Volume 25. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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