Dr. Veronica Dunne, affectionately known as Ronnie, is Ireland’s premier vocal teacher; since 1961, she has coached and guided nearly every singer of note in Ireland. Her list of accomplished students includes renowned and well-established performers, as well as the rising stars of the new generation.

Dunne’s dedication to her country’s vocal musicians has created a place of respect internationally for the fine voices of Ireland. Ronnie’s talented students achieve recognition for her country’s vocal accomplishments, and the rising stars on Ireland’s opera stages will continue to gain respect in the world-wide arena.

The Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition was established in 1992 when Ronnie’s students performed a special concert in celebration of her retirement from the Dublin Institute of Technology School of Music. It was to be their gift to her for the years of dedication to generations of aspiring artists.

Dunne, however, immediately envisioned a greater use for the £ 20,000 in retirement monies presented to her as a result of this concert: a way to encourage wonderful Irish singers to compete internationally and make their mark. To ever know one’s own ability, Ronnie insists, one must compete.

Through the unwitting efforts of her students, Dr. Dunne’s dream of establishing an International Singing Competition in Ireland became a reality. Of all the funds available to study music, she had long felt the dearth of bursary funds accessible for enhancing the vocal instrument was insubstantial. She has found a way to help remedy that inequity.

Singers from many countries travel to Ireland to compete in this prestigious event, with prizes awarded to many nationalities. The pride of Ireland’s voices are heard and recognized, as well. Plans for the next competition, to be held in 2010, are currently under way.

Busier than ever, Dr. Veronica Dunne has yet to retire.