Welcome to the official website of Ailbhe McDonagh. Irish cellist and composer.
Irish cellist Ailbhe McDonagh is an international soloist, chamber musician and recording artist who performs throughout Europe, Asia and the USA.
As a composer, Ailbhe has numerous solo, chamber and orchestral works to her name alongside her very popular pedagogical piano and cello collections published by Boosey&Hawkes.
Upcoming concerts
April 2nd National Concert Hall, Dublin
August 3rd Barrahane Music Festival, West Cork
August 10th Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, Roscommon
August 11th New Ross Guitar Festival, Wexford
Album release: Beethoven Complete Cello Sonatas 1-5
Ailbhe and world renowned Beethoven specialist John O'Conor celebrated Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year with this double album of his complete sonatas for cello and piano recorded at St. Peter’s Church, Drogheda, Ireland. The album is released on the Steinway & Sons music label. It is available on all major music streaming platforms.
"The coordination between the two musicians sets this recording apart, and each sonata is individually conceived. There is a lot to absorb here, and it's the kind of recording to which one will return repeatedly." - 4.5 stars
James Manheim, AllMusic
"Beethoven Cellos Sonatas from cellists Yo-Yo Ma and Ailbhe McDonagh ... two vibrant, complementary recordings of these sonatas."
Colin Clarke, Classical Explorer
"McDonagh plays with flawless technique, faultless intonation, and a strong yet meltingly sweet tone. Fanfare Magazine
Cello teaching and masterclasses Ailbhe is a lecturer at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. For private one-on-one cello lessons and masterclasses please get in touch. Ailbhe is available to teach internationally with in-person or online classes. Here is a recent masterclass for the National Concert Hall of Ireland.
Popper Études project
During 2021, Ailbhe was joined by American cellist Katie Tertell where they learned one Popper study each week, recorded a live discussion of practice tips and performed it live to each other. Each of these videos gives two professional cellists’ practice approaches to each of the 40 études. This is an excellent resource for cellists learning and practicing these études. Click here to learn more about the project.
