Australian pianist/organist, music director, composer.
Reginald D'Arcy-Irvine established his reputation in Melbourne musical circles during the early 1880s, before moving to Perth in 1889 to take up a position on the staff of Professor Francik's Conservatorium of Music (YMCA Building, Hay Street). He shortly afterwards formed the Perth Amateur Orchestral Society and conducted four concerts in St George's Hall before being appointed, in September 1889, to the office of organist and Choir Director at St George's Cathedral. He remained in the position until 1908, at which time he travelled to England with the intention of settling there permanently.
During his ten years in Perth, D'Arcy-Irvine involved himself in numerous official events as music director, pianist, and organist. One such event occurred in 1901, when he was appointed by the Western Australian government to oversee the music programme for the royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. In addition to his involvement in public events, D'Arcy-Irvine also continued to teach piano and composition studies. Because the Conservatorium offered overseas examination facilities, some of D'Arcy-Irvine's pupils were able to acquire diplomas from Trinity College, London, at the completion of their studies in Perth. A number of his students also travelled to London, where they gained their qualifications from either the Royal Academy of Music or the Royal College of Music. D'Arcy-Irvine's success in assisting the students of the most isolated capital city in the world was recognised at a farewell concert held for him at the end of February 1908. He concluded his commitments to the cathedral a month later.
As a composer, D'Arcy-Irvine is known to have written the score for the music drama The Two Worlds (1900), which was adapted by Perth-based Catholic priest Father James Duff (q.v.) from Milton's epic poems Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. Other known works include 'Arabesque' (written in the unusual 7/8 time) and 'Meditation' (in 4/5 time).
