Sharon Lyons, a professional Irish singer renowned for her versatility, hails from Dublin and now resides on the picturesque Ring of Kerry with her husband and son. Known for her ability to excel across genres, Sharon has performed for global figures, including Pope Francis, the Dalai Lama, Presidents, Celebrities and Heads of State.
Sharon’s academic and professional achievements are equally impressive. She holds an Honours Degree in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin, a Master’s in Chant and Ritual Song, and a PhD in Arts Practice from the University of Limerick. Her doctoral research, titled "What is the relationship between Ritual, Repertoire, and the Singing Voice in contemporary Irish Catholic worship?" reflects her dedication to the interplay between music and spirituality.
Her repertoire spans early medieval chant, classical works, folk traditions, and modern compositions. Sharon has performed on prestigious stages worldwide, with highlights including soloist roles in Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and St. John Passion,as well as appearances in Celtic and crossover productions like Vladimir’s Viennese Christmas at Dublin’s 3Arena, The Pipes of Christmas in New York and New Jersey, and her own shows at The Helix, Dublin. She has also contributed her vocal talents to soundtracks for Paramount TV and the History Channel’s Vikings, including a self-composed piece, Sacrifice, which gained viral acclaim on YouTube.
Sharon founded Pro Nuova, a contemporary liturgical music ensemble that provided music for 6 p.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral for 15 years. She also served as the resident cantor at Newman University Church in Dublin for six years and was a member of vocal ensembles such as Fuaimlaoi, directed by Ronán McDonagh, and Cantoral, an all-female chant group specialising in early polyphony and medieval Irish repertoire.
In addition to her performance work, Sharon is a dedicated choral director, currently leading the Kerry Concert Choir, Ceol Aoine, and the Dublin Lourdes Choir. She is also the founder of the Kerry Vocal Academy, offering singing lessons for children and adults. The academy has hosted masterclasses with internationally acclaimed countertenor Nils Wanderer. Sharon also serves as a lecturer in religious music, sharing her expertise with aspiring musicians and scholars.
Sharon's career has taken her to global stages and earned her numerous accolades. A recipient of the U.S. State Department’s Fusion Arts Exchange scholarship, she completed a residency in Boston, fostering international collaborations and performing at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Her television and event appearances include singing for Pope Francis at the Papal Mass in Phoenix Park during the 2018 World Meeting of Families, participating in Ireland’s 1916 centenary commemorations, and acting as a soloist at the National Commemoration Service in Kilmainham.
Her contributions to liturgical music include preparing and performing for the International Eucharistic Congress in 2012. In December 2015, she released her first EP, Simply Christmas, featuring a new Irish translation of the classic O Holy Night. In 2022, Sharon recorded and released her first full-length album, This Holy Night, a collection showcasing her talent and deep connection to sacred and seasonal music.
From Celtic roots to classical excellence, Sharon Lyons continues to inspire audiences with her artistry, academic insights, and dedication to the transformative power of music.
