Patrick Cassidy is a classical composer specializing in opera, choral, and film scores. Patrick came into prominence with the release of the Children of Lir, the first major symphonic work written in the Irish language. Recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, it remained at Number One in the Irish Classical Charts for over a year.

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Following his graduation from the University of Limerick in Applied Mathematics, Patrick released his debut album Cruit in 1988. Cruit featured music by 17th and 18th-century Irish harpers, arranged for Irish harp and baroque ensemble. From this foundation emerged his epochal work The Children of Lir which resulted in Patrick being bestowed with the Medal of Honour and Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of Limerick. Other works include Deirdre of the Sorrows and Famine Remembrance, which had its premiere at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, in New York.

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In addition to his classical work, Patrick scores film soundtracks. Credits include Hannibal, Veronica Guerin, Confessions of a Burning Man, Salem’s Lot, King Arthur, Layer Cake, Che Guevara, Ashes and Snow, Kingdom of Heaven, The Front Line, L'Aviatore, Kill The Irishman, Calvary, 1916 The Irish Rebellion.

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Patrick’s famous aria, Vide cor Meum was composed as a “mini” Opera for the Ridley Scott film, Hannibal. This aria has been presented at both the Oscar and Emmy Awards and Vide cor Meum has appeared in multiple top-ten lists and essential collections throughout the world including the Warner Classics CD, 40 Most Beautiful Arias. Significantly, Patrick Cassidy is noted in this collection as the only living composer. Patrick’s newest recording The Mass, recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra and London Voices, was released in November 2019. 

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Patrick Cassidy is a knight of Italy, conferred by the President of Italy, and bestowed with the title of Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia - Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy for his contribution to the arts. 

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Patrick's first opera Dante will premiere at theater Hof in Bavaria June 2024