David Fennessy

David Fennessy is an Irish composer known for his genre-blurring works that weave together acoustic instruments, electronics, and unconventional inspirations. Born in 1976, he studied at Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Edinburgh, later becoming a lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His music often draws from architecture, visual art, or historical figures—like his *Panopticon* (2019), a sprawling orchestral work inspired by Jeremy Bentham’s prison design, which received a dynamic live recording release in 2023.

Fennessy’s style balances raw energy with intricate textures, showcased in recent pieces like *Caruso* (2020), a haunting tribute to the legendary tenor. He’s collaborated with ensembles like the Scottish Ensemble and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and his works have been performed at major festivals worldwide. Based in Glasgow, he’s earned recognition like the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award (2017) for his bold, atmospheric soundscapes that feel both ancient and cutting-edge.