Redmond O'Toole

Irish classical guitarist Redmond O'Toole has been called "one of the most distinctive and original guitarists of his generation." A pioneer of Paul Galbraith's eight-string "Brahms guitar" — played in cello position — he was the first guitarist to adopt this groundbreaking instrument, bringing a unique sonic palette to the classical guitar world.

O'Toole has performed at the Passau International Guitar Festival, the Hallein Guitar Festival in Austria, the Irish National Concert Hall, and the Royal Dublin Society Concert Hall. He has appeared as soloist with the BBC Ulster Orchestra and Irish Baroque, and toured extensively as guitarist for The Chieftains. A member of the Dublin Guitar Quartet, he also maintains a long-standing duo with violinist Elizabeth Cooney and has collaborated with cellist Raphael Wallfisch and the Vanbrugh String Quartet.

He teaches at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin and in 2012 founded Music Generation Wicklow, a national music education program funded by U2 and the Ireland Funds. His recording of October on Achill for VGo Recordings draws on the landscape and spirit of Ireland's Atlantic coast.