Fergus Johnston

Fergus Johnston was born in 1959. He has been composing since 1981, and his works have been widely performed both in Ireland and abroad. He has written for a wide variety of genres, including dance, and has collaborated on a number of successful projects involving electronic installations.

His many works include "Binn an tSíorsholais" (The Peak of Eternal Light) (2004) and “Samsara” (1991) for orchestra, commissioned by RTÉ for the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, “Kaleidophone” (1992) for string quartet, harp and percussion, commissioned by Young European Strings, Cusp (1992) for violin and piano, commissioned by Rubato Dance, "Je goute le jeu..." (1997) for strings, commissioned by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and a flute concerto (1996) commissioned by RTÉ for the NSOI. He has also written two operas, “Bitter Fruit” (1992), in one act, commissioned by Opera Theatre Company, and “The Earl of Kildare” (2009) in 3 acts.

In 1999 he completed a Master's Degree in Music and Media Technology at TCD, and in 2011 he received a PhD from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He was elected to membership of Áosdana, Ireland's state-supported artistic academy, in 1992, and was a board member of the National Concert Hall from 1996 until 2001.