The music world lost one of its luminaries this week with the sudden passing of Dr. Adrian Daly at the age of 56. Daly was a former member of the acclaimed Notre Dame Glee Club during his time as a student at the University of Notre Dame. His unexpected death from a reported heart attack has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of ND Glee Club alumni and friends.
A gifted musician from a young age, Adrian Daly was born in Ireland in 1967. He displayed prodigious talent on the piano during his formative years, winning numerous competitions and accolades. This early promise paved the way for Daly's acceptance into the renowned music program at Notre Dame in 1987.
He flourished during his time in South Bend, Indiana, graduating with a Master of Arts in Music Performance and Literature in 1991. Daly's musical gifts were further honed at the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance in 1994.
Upon completing his doctoral studies, Daly began a decades-long career in higher music education. He started out at his alma mater, the Eastman School of Music, holding various roles including Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Enrollment Management.
In 2009, Daly's leadership abilities were recognized when he was appointed Dean of the Conservatory at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music. He spent six successful years guiding the school before accepting the position of Provost at the Colburn School in Los Angeles in 2015.
Daly was highly regarded both as an administrator and educator, known for his affability, wisdom, and passion for the arts.
During his undergraduate days at Notre Dame, Adrian Daly was an active and beloved member of the university's historic Glee Club. Established in 1915, the club is one of the oldest and most prestigious all-male collegiate choruses in the United States.
Daly participated in the group for several years, touring nationally and internationally as part of the ensemble. The club's challenging repertoire spans everything from sacred classics to contemporary pop songs.
As word of Daly's shocking death spread, there was an outpouring of grief and memories shared by friends, fellow alumni, and those whose lives he touched. The Notre Dame Glee Club Alumni & Reunions Facebook group posted a tribute, noting that the organization had "lost one of our own with the sudden passing of Dr. Adrian Daly."
Several people commented on Daly's vibrant spirit, kindness, and entertaining wit. He was beloved by students for his warmth and compassion as an educator. As one former colleague wrote, "His passion for the arts was infectious - he made you want to be a better musician just by being in his orbit."
The unexpected death of Adrian Daly at just 56 years old has dealt a blow to all who knew this remarkable musician and educator. His stellar career demonstrated a lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation of artists and upholding rigorous standards at prestigious institutions.
Daly's formative time at Notre Dame clearly left a lasting impact, as evidenced by the outpouring of memories and grief from his fellow alumni upon news of his passing. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his musical gifts and contributions to the arts.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p7%2FKoaybZpOkunC6xLCqZpuRqsCmec6fZJ2dkam1cLTOp6aroZ6cerW0xGajop6VYrynecCdqaKZnmKxorjYZpqopJKqv695yKeapa2UnruoecCdqaKZnmKxorjYZqaboaSqrrPF