Minister for of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, has today signed a commencement order bringing into operation the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) (Amendment) Act 2023 on 28th February 2023. This new legislation further strengthens the position of the National Symphony Orchestra within the National Concert Hall following the administrative transfer of the orchestra and RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, RTÉ Cór na nÓg and RTÉ Cór Linn from RTÉ on 24th January 2022. The Act provides the National Concert Hall with a new function to manage an orchestra and choirs.
The new Act also provides for a voice for the orchestra at the highest levels of the organisation, through the provision of a new board member with orchestral expertise. Following a public call for applications on www.Stateboards.ie and an assessment process, the Minister has today announced the appointment of Professor Cliona Doris to the board of the National Concert Hall. Professor Doris will serve for a five year term.
Speaking today Minister Martin, said:
“This new piece of legislation places the National Symphony Orchestra at the heart of the National Concert Hall, our National Cultural Institution for music, securing its future for generations to come. This announcement comes at an exciting time for the National Concert Hall as it prepares for an expansive redevelopment of its Earlsfort Terrace campus.
“The Act also allows the National Concert Hall to expand its board to include a board member with orchestral expertise, further supporting the National Symphony Orchestra and Choirs in their new home at the Concert Hall. I wish to congratulate Professor Cliona Doris and wish her the very best during her term. I am proud to announce this appointment and thank Professor Doris for sharing her vital skills and experience with the National Concert Hall.”
Chairperson of the National Concert Hall, Maura McGrath, welcomed the appointment, stating:
“I am delighted to welcome Professor Cliona Doris to the Board of the National Concert Hall (NCH). Professor Doris, a professor at TU Dublin Conservatoire and professional concert harpist with extensive experience as a chamber and orchestral musician, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the NCH board, and will be an important voice particularly following the transition of the National Symphony Orchestra under the remit of the NCH last year.
“Professor Doris’s expertise will facilitate hugely in the delivery of our strategic vision, including the advancement of our redevelopment plans for the refurbishment of the National Concert Hall. I would also like to thank Minister Martin and her Department colleagues on the recent commencement order bringing into operation the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) (Amendment) Act 2023, and supporting the position of our National Symphony Orchestra.”
ENDS