Ruth Mc Ginley

Born in Derry N. Ireland, Ruth Mc Ginley gained widespread recognition as one of Irelands leading pianists when she won the piano final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. She was awarded scholarships to study with John O’Conor at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Christopher Elton at the Royal Academy in London before being awarded a Postgraduate in Solo Performance from the Royal College in London where she studied with the late Irina Zaritskaya.

Ruth has performed as soloist with orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, London Mozart Players, National Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra and as a solo recitalist throughout UK, Europe and the Middle East. She broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, BBC Radio Ulster and RTE and was honoured to be invited to perform as soloist at the BBC Proms in the Park.

Returning to Northern Ireland from London in 2004, Ruth combines her performing career with teaching and mentoring young musicians. Many of her students have won prestigious awards including the NI Young Musician of the Year and have gone on to enjoy life as professional musicians.

She is a sought after chamber musician and enjoys collaborations with musicians from different genres. Ruth is the official accompanist for the multi-platinum selling trio “The Priests” in concerts and broadcasts. She is also the accompanist of choice for BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle broadcasts and has appeared with a range of artists - both in live contexts and session recordings - across a number of its programmes.

2016 saw the launch of Ruth as a recording artist as she released her debut solo album “Reconnection” in which she reflects musically on her life journey so far.