‘An extremely talented young musician’

Cogratulations to classical guitar player Martin Keane of Lahorna, Nenagh, who recently graduated from the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, England.

Son of Martin of and Mary Keane, and brother of Genevieve (a violinist), Carissa and Vivienne, Martin went to Ardcroney National School and benefited from the dedication of teachers Breda Conroy and Martin Ryan. He performed regularly at the school from the age of 8 until he moved to London at age 13.

Martin was offered a place at the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School with the assistance of Professor Richard Wright and John Williams (OBE), classical guitarist. He graduated and received his Bach Score, and performed at Kings Place in London.

The local musician has also performed to audiences at The Arts Club, Kings Place, The Athenaeum Club, Menuhin Hall, Mayor's of Surrey, and more. He has had Master Classes with Tillman Hopstock and John Williams. He has now been accepted to study in Germany with Professor Tilman Hopstock.

A number of established classical guitarists have been very praiseworthy of the Ardcroney-schooled musician. “Martin Keane is a highly promising young artist who is developing rapidly,” said Professor Jonathan Leathwood, Lamont School of Music, University of Denver, USA.

“I have heard him play at the Yehudi Menuhin School on two occasions: both times he has impressed me with his intuitive musicianship and the refinement of his musical ideas.”

John Williams had this to say to Martin: “I loved your playing of the Tansman’s Cavatina - quite beautiful, the best performance of it I have ever heard… an extremely talented young musician.”