Head of Orchestral Studies

Email: kevin.hanafin@tudublin.ie

MMus BMus

 

 

Kevin Hanafin is a distinguished saxophonist, conductor, and educator, currently serving as Head of Orchestral Studies at TU Dublin Conservatoire.

A graduate of the Conservatoire (formerly DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama), he earned a BMus (Performance) degree in 1995, receiving the prestigious Michael McNamara Gold Medal for excellence in performance.  He pursued further studies at the Royal College of Music, London, and later completed a Master of Music Performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

As a performer, Kevin has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble and TU Dublin Wind Ensemble.  He has played principal saxophone positions with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, and Ulster Orchestra, and has frequently appeared as a soloist with these ensembles.  His work extends to contemporary and cross-genre performances, having been a member of Crash Ensemble, with whom he has toured extensively across Europe, the USA, and Canada.  He has also performed with Riverdance, including its tenth-anniversary tour, and later served as musical director for performances in Egypt.

Kevin’s academic and administrative leadership has been integral to the development of orchestral studies at TU Dublin Conservatoire. He was appointed Assistant Head of School in 2017 and continues to lecture in saxophone performance.  In addition, he is an active member of the Feis Ceoil Woodwind Committee, supporting young musicians through competition and performance opportunities.

 

Research/Performance Interests and Expertise

Kevin’s expertise spans orchestral direction, wind ensemble performance, and saxophone pedagogy. His research interests focus on orchestral training methodologies, contemporary saxophone repertoire, and performance practice in cross-genre collaborations.  He has worked extensively on integrating innovative approaches to wind and orchestral studies within higher education, fostering student engagement through interdisciplinary and international projects.

A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Kevin has premiered numerous works for saxophone and ensemble, working closely with composers to expand the instrument’s repertoire.  His ongoing research explores the evolving role of the saxophone in orchestral and chamber music settings, particularly in modern and experimental compositions.

 

Professional Affiliations & External Engagement

• Member, Feis Ceoil Woodwind Committee
• Regular adjudicator and clinician for national and international competitions
• Frequent guest artist and lecturer for masterclasses and workshops in orchestral and saxophone performance

 

Publications / Awards / Research Output

• Recipient of the Michael McNamara Gold Medal for Performance Excellence
• Solo and ensemble performances broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM and BBC Radio 3
• Upcoming research on orchestral training methodologies in conservatoire settings