Italian composer and pianist Antoni O’Breskey, originally named Antonio Breschi, is celebrating 50 years of an extraordinary musical career. Born in Florence, Antoni O’Breskey arrived in Ireland in the 1970s with his first EP, later adopting an Irishised name during the 1990s to reflect his deep connection to the country. A pioneer of cross cultural fusion, Antoni O’Breskey began weaving Irish traditional music with jazz, flamenco, and Arabic influences long before world music categories existed. His unique artistic journey played a pivotal role in the evolution of the Irish musical landscape, with major media citing his early work as an anticipation of the Riverdance phenomenon.
Alongside his extensive work in Ireland, Antoni O’Breskey built a significant professional profile in Italy. He has composed widely for television, cinema, theatre, and dance, including soundtracks for the RAI 2 documentary series by Folco Quilici and films by Franco Piavoli. His theatrical collaborations include compositions for productions featuring prominent figures such as Giorgio Albertazzi, Ermanno Olmi, and Mario Monicelli. He also developed major creative projects like the dance work Mediterraneo with Zappalá Dance and produced the television series Il Suono e la Terra for RAI 3.
The Italian Institute of Culture is proud to promote this landmark event, celebrating the profound cultural and musical bond between Italy and Ireland. The focal point of these celebrations is a major milestone concert taking place at the National Concert Hall on July 15. The performance follows the release of a monumental three volume retrospective album mapping his five decades of defiance against musical boundaries. On stage, Antoni O’Breskey will perform with his Nomadic Piano Ensemble. This lineup features prominent guest musicians alongside his daughter and regular collaborator Consuelo Nerea Breschi, who rgave an exclusive interview to Pinocchio Magazine discussing her father’s artistic legacy. The ensemble also includes piper Joe McHugh, flamenco guitarist Juan José Manzano, multi instrumentalist Paahto Cummins, and legendary accordionist Máirtín O’Connor.
Tickets and event details can be found on the National Concert Hall listing. CLICK HERE
“Antoni O’Breskey is a musical traveller, willing to throw himself into the dark and put himself on the line following a vision that goes beyond the usual and the patterns. In his world, cultures do not separate but meet in a profound and sincere language that represents a direct emanation of his humanity and a new music to follow on the journey together.”
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