31/08/2023
💥Meet the Tutors💥
KIERAN LEONARD - Bodhran
Kieran Leonard is a professional Drummer, Percussionist and Bodhrán specialist from Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh. Obtaining both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, London, he has been incredibly fortunate to have enjoyed a fruitful and rewarding freelance career throughout the last 10 years, working with numerous ensembles both in the UK & Ireland. He has been exposed to a great variety of repertoire with extensive experience in the symphonic, operatic and contemporary genres as well as the recording studio, being credited on multiple film soundtracks.
As a session musician, Kieran has shared the stage with many notable groups across multiple genres ranging from ‘Take That’ in the 02 Arena, London, to ‘Clannad’ & their ‘Once In A Lifetime’ Farewell show in the 3Arena, Dublin, as well as Michael Ball & Alexandra Burke on London’s West End. For the last 5 years, he has held the drum chair with the Grammy nominated group, ‘Celtic Woman’, whilst also drumming with internationally renowned vocalists Chloë Agnew and Moya Brennan. Other professional engagements include Stockton’s Wing, The Brave Collide, Ralph McTell, Four Men and a Dog, Goitse, The XCollective, Shiv and Ryan Molloy, with Guest Principal roles in the, English National Opera, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Ulster Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra (formerly RTÉNSO). More recently, along with musicians David Doocey, Stephen Doherty & Ryan Molloy, Kieran co-founded the traditional Irish quartet, NxNW (North by Northwest).
Regarded as one of the worlds leading exponents of the Bodhrán, Kieran has had the honour of using this drum in some of the most prestigious musical settings possible. His solo film credits include, Academy Award winning composer John Powell’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ soundtrack (Air Lyndhurst), Thomas Newman's 'Victoria & Abdul' (Abbey Road), ’How To Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World’ John Powell (Abbey Road), with live recordings including ‘Lost: In Concert’ with composer Michael Giacchino. Having featured on BBC, ITV, RTË, TG4 and PBS television, Kieran now operates his own recording studio in Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh working with an array of artists and composers around the globe. You can hear his playing on multiple records and albums as well as in video games, TV and film, with specific features on BBC & Netflix.
Kieran endorses Metloef Bodhráns, Protection Racket Cases, Vater Percussion Sticks & Falconwood Bodhrán Sticks.
http://ticketsource.co.uk/jonfest