The Open University of Ireland has announced today that distinguished Irish conductor, David Brophy, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate during their degree ceremony at Croke Park on Friday, October 13th, 2023.

This honorary doctorate was be bestowed on Brophy to celebrate his 'exceptional contributions to the world of music and his dedication to education and the arts'.

In the world of classical music, conductor David Brophy is well known for having conducted the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, the National Chamber Choir of Ireland, and the BBC Proms Northern Ireland, taking place on the Titanic Slipways in Belfast. Brophy was trained under former RTE National Symphony Orchestra conductor, Gerhard Markson.

Brophy is also known for his outreach and broadcasting career, bring classical music to a wider audience including presenting a reality TV show on RTÉ One entitled "Instrumental", which charted the attempts of celebrities to learn to play musical instruments.

Brophy is perhaps best known among the Irish public for being the conductor of the opening ceremony of Dublin's 2003 Special Olympics, where he was joined by U2 and the largest Riverdance troupe ever assembled.

The conferring ceremony sees Brophy return to the site of the Special Olympics opening ceremony; Croke Park.

John D'arcy, head of the Open University of Ireland said of the conductor: 'His work has enriched the cultural fabric of our society, and we are thrilled to award him with this Honorary Doctorate'.

Brophy was joined by 156 other students who were marking their academic achievements at the degree ceremony today.

Brophy said of the honorary doctorate that: 'this recognition serves as a testament to the importance of music and the arts in our society, and I am truly privileged to receive this award'.