Renowned Irish pianist Brian Connor has died

Irish pianist, producer, arranger and composer Brian Connor has died after a long battle with illness.

Connor was known for his collaborations with the likes Sinéad O’Connor, Agnes Bernelle, Van Morrison, Ramin Karimloo, Claire Martin and Eleanor McEvoy.

He was Musical Director in London’s West End, Chicago and on Broadway, as well as Musical Director of Riverdance – The Show and the National Theatre of Ireland’s centenary celebrations Abbey100.

Connor produced albums for singers in Ireland, Norway and Germany, with the 2001 LP Yola, made alongside Irish singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy, being awarded the ‘UK Hi Fi Album of the Year’.

Connor also spent much of his career orchestrating for orchestral concerts, film and TV, co-producing a concert of music by Leonard Cohen for RTÉ at the Bord Gáis Theatre in 2020.

"I am heartbroken that we have lost Brian Connor," wrote McEvoy on social media. "A wonderful pianist, a brilliant arranger & a consummate musician. We travelled the world & it was a privilege to work with him. He bore his long illness with incredible grace & fortitude. Farewell Captain."

"We were deeply saddened to hear this week of the passing of Brian Connor," added the Ulster Orchestra on Instagram.

"Brian worked with the Ulster Orchestra on many occasions as our guest pianist, his subtle and sensitive playing enhancing many of our pops concerts and BBC programmes for broadcast. Brian was an extraordinary all-round musician, and wonderful colleague. He will be very much missed by all who worked with him."