BIOGRAPHY
Amy Gillen is an award-winning Irish flutist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter/composer, educator, presenter and music producer renowned for her captivating performances and versatility. Lauded by The Irish Independent’s Dick O’Riordan for her “incredible dexterity and musicality,” Amy has become a rising star in the music world. A graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music/Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Music London, she earned a Distinction and was awarded the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal by HRH King Charles for her exceptional contributions to the Royal College of Music.
Amy’s career reflects a deep passion for music and a dedication to expanding her skill set. In addition to her musical training, she completed a PGCEi in Education from the University of Nottingham (2023) and a Music Production Course at ICMP London (2022). This diverse education, combining pedagogy with modern production techniques, allows Amy to explore a wide range of musical styles—from classical to jazz to pop—and to connect with audiences worldwide.
Her performances have graced prestigious stages across the globe. Notable engagements include performing a flute recital in the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room, performing in Singapore with the Ireland Funds and the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, at Wigmore Hall, the Irish Embassy in London, and the Yacht Club in Monaco for HSH Prince Albert II. She has also played in Switzerland at Weihnachtskonzerte and at the Sir James Galway International Flute Festival in Weggis, where she received the 2017 Rising Star Award and a 14K gold Nagahara Flutes head joint. Amy has also performed for HRH King Charles at Windsor Castle and during the grand opening of the Royal College of Music. A frequent collaborator with her duo partner Frasier Hickland, she appeared as a “Rising Star” at the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival, with their recital broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM.
Amy’s orchestral experience is extensive. As one of the youngest principal flautists in the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, she quickly gained recognition for her technical brilliance. This early success led to further training with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra mentoring schemes, and performances with esteemed ensembles including the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, and the Ulster Orchestra.
In 2023, Amy released her debut album, Flute Chapters, recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin. The album highlights the flute’s remarkable versatility, blending genres, and has been broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM. Her accolades include the Nagahara Flutes Boston Young Artist Ambassador role, as well as bursaries from the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, RTÉ Lyric FM, and the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe.
As a passionate educator, Amy has developed music curricula for schools across the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. She has previously taught at the Westminster Performing Arts School in London, where her philosophy emphasises inclusivity and creativity, encouraging students to explore their full musical potential. She is now continuing this passion from her base in Donegal.
Amy’s versatility extends to composition and music production. She collaborated with the UAE’s first Emirati rock band, Ashen Runway, for their third album Echoes in Eternity, and has released original tracks with her band The Pearls on Velvet, blending jazz, disco, and pop. Her innovative approach bridges the classical and contemporary worlds seamlessly.
Amy’s commitment to music extends beyond performance, as she regularly leads masterclasses, including with Music Generation students at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, inspiring the next generation of musicians. Amy also has a keen interest in radio and works at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Radio on the 'Tuesday Night Request Show' production and presenting team. Whether performing, teaching, presenting or recording, Amy Gillen is a dynamic and versatile force in the music world, with a bright future ahead.