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Who We Are
CelloFest Ireland brings together leading Irish and international cellists who share a passion for teaching, creativity, and musical connection.
Our faculty combine artistry, warmth, and experience, creating an environment where every participant feels inspired and supported to grow.
Ailbhe McDonagh
Ailbhe McDonagh is a celebrated cellist, composer, and teacher recognised for her vibrant artistry and engaging musicianship.
She performs as a soloist and chamber musician across Europe, the USA, and Asia, and her compositions are played by musicians worldwide.
Ailbhe has multiple recordings to her name including the recently released Bach: Complete Solo Cello Suites on the Steinway & Sons label.
She is a Professor of Cello at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. Ailbhe's approach combines technical precision with musical freedom, helping players at every level to develop confidence, sound, and expression.
Ailbhe recently published her new Cello Basics video series for beginner cellists.
Clíodhna Ní Aodáin
An acclaimed Irish cellist and conductor, Clíodhna Ní Aodáin brings a unique blend of classical expertise, creative exploration, and mindfulness to her teaching.
Her ongoing project The Celtic Cello celebrates Irish musical heritage through improvisation and connection with nature.
Clíodhna performs internationally and teaches at the Musikschule Konservatorium Bern in Switzerland.
At CelloFest Ireland, she encourages players to discover balance, awareness, and joy in every note, guiding them toward a deeper connection with their instrument and themselves.
Máire Carroll
Dr. Máire Carroll is a distinguished Irish pianist, composer, and collaborator, celebrated for her work spanning baroque to contemporary music.
She has performed globally in venues including Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the National Concert Hall Dublin, and was the first pianist in Ireland to receive the prestigious RDS Music Bursary. Her recently acclaimed album, The Complete Piano Études of Philip Glass (Delphian Records, 2024), was named a top classical record of the year by The Scotsman.
Collaboration is central to her artistic output, featuring partnerships with actor Barry McGovern, Irish National Opera, and Crash Ensemble. Máire is also the Artistic Director of the innovative ‘Hidden Pianos’ project and maintains an active role in music education.