Cliona Cassidy is a vocalist, song writer and opera singer from Dublin. She is a member of the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra ("One of the best large improvising ensembles in the world" Jazz on 3), and has worked for Scottish Opera since 2012. Her musical roots are in traditional Irish folk music and she has collaborated with Scottish harpist Catriona McKay, releasing an EP “Pictures” in 2019, and with guitarist George Burt on their album “Rain Shadow” (2020) (“folk-inspired songs and operatic improvised dreamscapes...a beautiful record” BBC Radio 3). She has been featured on many recordings with the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra, including “The Word for it Now”, nominated for Best Album at the Scottish Jazz Awards 2018.

 

While at Scottish Opera, she has debuted as First Bridesmaid in Sir Thomas Allen’s production of Le Nozze di Figaro and has sung as a soloist with the orchestra of Scottish Opera in The Opera Factory, a show for children. She has covered the roles of Jano (Jenufa) and First and Second Boy (The Magic Flute) and has sung in the chorus since 2012. She has led workshops in improvisation, including at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and for Bealtaine festival in Dublin, leading to the performance of a new work “Animate Objects” at the National Concert Hall. Other operatic roles performed include the title roles in Lucia di Lammermoor, Beatrice di Tenda and Alcina, Adina (L’Elisir d’Amore), Pamina (The Magic Flute), Irene (Tamerlano), Dorabella and Despina (Cosi’ fan Tutte), Serafina ( il Campanello di Notte), Rosina (The Barber of Seville), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel), Sesto (Giulio Cesare) and Daphne (Apollo and Daphne).

She was a member of the Artist's Panel for Dublin City Council from 2011-2014.