Offaly soprano among rising stars set for RTÉ Lyric FM spotlight

Soprano Deirdre Higgins from Offaly will is one of five performers being spotlighted from tomorrow (Friday) as part of RTÉ lyric fm's special programming event, 'New Generation Voices'.

The station, in association with The Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, selected Ireland’s most exciting emerging vocal talent earlier this year.

Deirdre was one of five singers chosen as ones to watch, and earned the chance to record an aria with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under conductor Gavin Maloney.

The Offaly soprano's performance of Song to the Moon by Dvorak will be broadcast on Lorcan Murray's 'Classic Drive' programme, which airs between 4pm and 7pm, on Friday evening.

RTÉ lyric fm said the initiative was part of its commitment to developing and nurturing emerging Irish talent, and strengthens the link between emerging singers and professional performance platforms.

Deirdre Higgins has been a member of the Irish National Opera Studio since 2023. Her experience with INO includes covering key roles such as Mimì in La Bohème (Puccini) and Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust and she has sung the role of Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore.

The four other 'New Generation Voices' being featured are baritone Seán Boylan from Meath, tenor Patrick Hyland from Kildare, tenor Cathal McCabe from Dublin, and tenor Seán Tester from Louth.