Professor Mel Mercier is appointed to the Board of Directors of Music Generation

Celebrated composer and Chair of Performing Arts at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (University of Limerick), Professor Mel Mercier has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Music Generation.

Chairperson Leo Blennerhassett welcomed the announcement: ‘As a highly respected member of the music education community in Ireland, and as a distinguished musician and composer, Mel’s extensive knowledge and expertise will make a valuable contribution to Music Generation. It’s a great pleasure to welcome him to the Board.’

Commenting on his appointment, Mel Mercier said: ‘Music Generation is a groundbreaking educational initiative that has enriched the musical landscape in Ireland over the past decade. I look forward to supporting its future growth and development, as it opens the door to a brighter musical future for many more children and young people over the coming years.’

Professor and Chair of Performing Arts at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, since 2016, Mel Mercier was formerly Associate Professor of Music and inaugural Head of the School of Music and Theatre at University College Cork. He is a traditional percussionist, composer and educator, with an international reputation as an innovative performer, rooted in Irish traditional music and committed to collaborating across music genres and art forms. A renowned, award-winning composer, he has composed the music for many critically acclaimed, award-winning theatre productions and installations that have been presented at theatres and venues in Ireland, UK, Europe and America. Mel is director of the Irish Gamelan Orchestra and recently formed the group PULSUS, the first Irish traditional percussion ensemble.

Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. Music Generation believes in every child and young person’s musical potential and their innate artistry, that it is every child and young person’s right to have the choice of access and the chance to participate as a musical citizen and that music doesn’t just change lives, it transforms lives.