Violinist Geraldine O'Grady dies at the age of 93

Celebrated violinist Geraldine O'Grady has died at the age of 93.

According to her family, she passed away on Tuesday, November 11 at Leopardstown Park Hospital.

Tributes have poured in from across the music world.

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra posted on X to "express its sincere condolences" to O'Grady's family.

"Geraldine was the first female Leader of the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra," The RTÉ Concert Orchestra said.

"Geraldine left the orchestra in '63 to resume her successful solo career, touring internationally and returning many times to perform as a soloist with the RTÉ NSO and RTÉ Concert Orchestra."

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra would like to express its sincere condolences to the family of Geraldine O'Grady who passed away yesterday. RIP.

Geraldine was the first female Leader of the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra, taking up the position in 1960 at the age of 27. Geraldine…

— RTÉConcertOrchestra (@rte_co) November 12, 2025

The National Concert Hall said O'Grady's "warmth and remarkable contributions to the arts will always be remembered" in a post on Facebook.

In a post on X, Music Network said they are "deeply saddened" to hear of O'Grady's passing.

"An iconic figure in Irish classical music, we were honoured to have toured Geraldine with Veronica McSwiney in 1991," Music Network said.

"Her artistry will leave a lasting impact on Ireland’s musical landscape. We extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues within the music community."

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the distinguished violinist Geraldine O’Grady.

An iconic figure in Irish classical music, we were honoured to have toured Geraldine with Veronica McSwiney in 1991. Her artistry will leave a lasting impact on Ireland’s musical… pic.twitter.com/UJRqNr5awD

— Music Network (@MusNetIrl) November 12, 2025

Born October 18, 1932 in Dublin, O'Grady was involved in music from an early age.

O'Grady was awarded a government scholarship to study in France and became the first Irish artist to graduate from the Paris Conservatoire in 1955.

O'Grady then returned to Ireland, where she served as leader of the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra – now National Symphony Orchestra Ireland – from 1959 to 1963.

With her sister Eily, O'Grady recorded several albums of Irish airs, and the pair toured the United States multiple times.

O'Grady also had a successful solo career. She performed as recitalist and soloist with the Boston Pops, the Kansas City Philharmonic, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and many more acclaimed ensembles.

The National University of Ireland awarded her an honorary doctorate and the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where she taught for many years, issued her a fellowship.

On her 80th birthday, Michael D Higgins praised her contributions to Irish arts and society.

"There is no doubt that the Irish world of music owes her an enormous debt of gratitude," Higgins said in 2012.

O'Grady is survived by her husband Des, daughter Oonagh, sister Sheila and grandchildren Ruadhán and Aoibhín.