Eric Sweeney

Eric Sweeney (15 July 1948 – 21 July 2020) was an Irish composer. He was a member of Aosdána, an elite association of Irish artists.

Early life Eric Sweeney was born in Dublin in 1948. He studied in Ireland, England, Belgium and Italy, including at the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia.

Career

Sweeney composed in a minimalist style influenced by Béla Bartók, Olivier Messiaen, Andrzej Panufnik, John Adams and Steve Reich. Over his career, he composed two symphonies, five concertos, three operas and choral works, including the cantata Deirdre. He was influenced by traditional Irish music and airs.

Personal life Sweeney married Sally Johnston in 1972; they had three children. They lived in Waterford from 1981 until his death in 2020.