Kane O'Hara

Alfred Webb

A Compendium of Irish Biography

1878

O'Hara, Kane, a musician, author of several burlettas or comic operas, was born in Ireland early in the 18th century. He attained a foremost position in Dublin, and was elected the Vice-President of the Musical Academy, founded mainly through his exertions in 1758. Next year appeared his burletta of "Midas," written to throw ridicule on Italian operas, and shortly afterwards "Golden Pippin" and other pieces. O'Hara also dabbled in art. He is described as remarkably tall, with the " appearance of an old fop, with spectacles and an antiquated wig; "yet withal a polite, sensible, agreeable man, the pink of gentility and good breeding, and an amusing companion, although somewhat prosy. He died (probably at his residence in Molesworth-street, Dublin) 17th June 1782, having been totally blind for some time previous.

Sources

110. Dublin, History of the City: John T. Gilbert. 3 vols. Dublin, 1854-'9.

116. Dublin University Magazine (45). Dublin, 1833-'77.

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