Pianist J.J. Sheridan, First Prize Winner of the 1971 Esposito Prize at "Feis Ceoil" ("Music Competition") in Dublin, is a native of Ireland. Now an American resident, Mr. Sheridan has quickly established himself as a soloist of note in New York City.

Mr. Sheridan has performed as soloist with the R.T.E. Concert Orchestra in Ireland. In recital Mr. Sheridan has performed throughout Ireland, England, and the United States. He tours the U.S. yearly, making regular appearances in San Diego, New Orleans (Loyola University), and Butte, Montana (the scene of one of John McCormack's greatest triumphs).

Recent recitals in New York include appearances in the Donnell Library, Bruno Walter Auditorium, and Citicorp recital series.

As a young performer J.J. appeared regularly on R.T.E. Irish radio programs, including "Top Talent," and "Young Entertainers." At age 18, J.J. received national acclaim with his composition "St. Canice's Mass," commissioned for the opening of a new church in his home country, Laois. This made him the focus of national attention in the media, with Jim Farrelly of the Irish Independent calling him "a young genius."

In 1977 Mr. Sheridan was heard by Irish impresario Fred O'Donovan, and immediately became one of the stars on his roster of artists. Soon after, he appeared as a soloist in "Irish Eyes Are Smiling, " a revue produced by Eamonn Andrews Studios. His co-stars included such international artists as Irish tenor Louis Browne and soprano Mary Hegarty.

In 1982 he made his U.S. debut, with a concert tour that included appearances in Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, and Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh.

Mr. Sheridan's debut album, "Irish Classics," a selection of Ireland's greatest airs, was released by Trigon Records in 1988. All selections were arranged for piano by Mr. Sheridan, This was a unique project - the first time these airs were recorded in concert arrangements for piano.

Mr. Sheridan studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, where his principal teachers were John O'Sullivan, Valerie Walker, and Frances Moore. He studied composition with the noted Irish composer Dr. A.J. Potter. He continued his studies at the London College of Music, where he worked primarily with Frank Lloyd-Webber and Alan Bridge. While at the college he attended master classes with pianists Peter Frankl and John Ogdon.