Richard O'Donnell Percussion

Born in Newark, New Jersey, in the United States, Richard O'Donnell received his B Mus from Indiana University and his M Mus from the City University of New York.

Having begun his career with the National Symphony Orchestra of Columbia, he has also been a member of the Basque National Orchestra in San Sebastian, Spain, and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Richard is currently Principal Percussionist with The National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland.

In 1996 he was appointed to the Wind, Brass and Percussion Faculty of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he is also Director of the Percussion Ensemble.

In May 2001 Richard represented Ireland at a contemporary music festival in Bogota, Columbia. While there, he will direct an International Percussion Ensemble for the final concert and will give percussion masterclasses at the National University.

Richard became an Irish Citizen in 1992.