As International Jazz Day approaches, celebrations around Ireland will highlight not only the vibrancy of the music itself, but also the pathways that continue to nurture new talent. In Sligo, this year’s festivities carry a particularly compelling story, one that speaks directly to the long-term impact of grassroots jazz education in Ireland.
At the centre of it is 19-year-old pianist and composer Rory Conneally, whose rapid rise has marked him out as one of the most exciting young musicians to emerge from the region in recent years.
From First Encounter to International Opportunity
Rory’s journey into jazz began just four years ago when he attended the Sligo Jazz Project (SJP) summer school at the age of 15. What followed was a period of intense development, shaped by both local opportunity and international mentorship.
Since that first encounter, he has immersed himself in the music, refining his voice as both a pianist and composer, and continuing his studies beyond the summer programme. His progress has brought him into contact with leading figures in the jazz world, including Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca, and more recently Wynton Marsalis, who offered encouragement and guidance following a Dublin performance last year.
Recognition has followed quickly. Rory was awarded the Young Irish Jazz Musician Bursary and has now secured a full tuition scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, a remarkable achievement for any young musician, and a significant milestone for someone whose introduction to jazz came so recently.
A Model That Works
Rory’s story is not an isolated case, but rather a reflection of the broader impact of the Sligo Jazz Project’s approach. Built around accessibility and inclusivity, the programme has long operated without auditions, opening its doors to musicians at varying stages of development.
Over the years, this model has produced a growing network of alumni performing across Ireland and beyond. Musicians such as Nils Kavanagh have already begun to establish themselves internationally, while the programme itself continues to gain recognition at the highest level.
In 2025, SJP became the only European organisation to receive the Jazz Forward Award from All About Jazz, and its presence at Jazzahead! - the world’s largest jazz trade fair, further underlines its standing within the global jazz community.
A Wider Network of Excellence
This year has also seen success among the extended SJP community. Saxophonist Emma Rawicz was named UK Jazz Artist of the Year at the Jazz FM Awards, while pianist Fergus McCreadie received the award for Best Album. Both artists have strong links to the programme, reinforcing its reputation for identifying and nurturing exceptional talent.
Celebrating the Moment
Rory Conneally will headline Sligo Jazz Project’s International Jazz Day celebrations at Lillies Cocktail Bar on April 30th, joined by a cohort of emerging local musicians. The event offers an opportunity not only to hear one of Ireland’s most promising young artists, but also to witness the tangible results of a sustained investment in jazz education at a regional level.
As Irish jazz continues to evolve, stories like this highlight the importance of structures that support discovery, development, and connection. The journey from a first summer workshop in Sligo to a place at Berklee is an extraordinary one, but it is also a reminder of what becomes possible when access, mentorship, and community come together in the right way.
