Orchestral Studies
Dr Andreea Banciu
Assistant Lecturer
Email: Andreea.Banciu@TUDublin.ie
Dr Andreea Banciu is an award-winning violist and founding member of the internationally acclaimed ConTempo Quartet. Originally formed at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where the quartet held a residency from 1999–2002, ConTempo has been Ensemble-in-Residence at the University of Galway since 2003 and RTÉ’s Ensemble-in-Residence (2015–2019).
A dedicated educator and performer, Andreea is currently a lecturer in viola at the TU Dublin Conservatoire, and from September 2024 will also join the faculty at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
She has performed as Guest Principal Viola with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland (2019–2024) and currently serves as principal violist with Irish National Opera, Luminosa Orchestra, and Vespera. As a soloist, she has appeared with orchestras across Ireland and the UK, including the NSO, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic.
Andreea holds advanced degrees in performance from the University of Music in Bucharest and the Royal Academy of Music, London. Her career has been distinguished by over 3,000 performances in 40 countries and prestigious venues such as Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonie.
In recognition of her cultural contribution, she was conferred a Doctor of Music (honoris causa) by NUI Galway, and in 2022 was awarded the Romanian Order of Cultural Merit.
Research / Performance Interests and Expertise
Andreea’s artistic research centres on the interpretation of contemporary string repertoire and the role of the quartet as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and education. She has premiered over 100 new works by Irish composers and is committed to mentoring young musicians through collaborative performance and chamber music coaching.
Professional Affiliations / External Engagements
Andreea has led masterclasses throughout Europe and has worked with institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and the Conservatoires of Paris, Oslo, and Vienna. She is a member of the ConTempo Quartet, Vanburgh Quartet Trust, and regularly collaborates with national youth orchestras.
Recent Awards / Performances / Publications
- Cultural Merit, Order of Knighthood (Romania), 2022
- Doctor of Music, Honoris Causa, NUI Galway
- Recitals with Duo Anima (with pianist Aileen Cahill) across Ireland, Belgium, and France
- Recent performances at Clifden, Clonmel, and Fermanagh Arts Festivals
- Upcoming performances include new commissions for viola and electronics in 2025