A New Yorker in Dublin: ‘People are like, okay, maybe she has notions, but she doesn’t know any better’

Joanna Mattrey, a 39-year-old violist and composer originally from upstate New York, made a significant life change in 2024 by moving to Dublin, Ireland. This relocation followed the birth of her daughter and a decision to prioritize family wellbeing alongside her professional pursuits in music.

Mattrey’s move was influenced by various personal and professional factors. She is married to James, an Irish architect who returned to his hometown after several years in New York. The couple’s relationship began in New York in 2018, and despite early discussions about the challenges of living apart, they eventually chose to settle in Ireland.

Before moving, Mattrey had established her career in New York City, particularly in Brooklyn, known for its diverse and inclusive artistic communities. Her background includes formal training at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, followed by years of active involvement in the vibrant New York music scene. However, the demands of parenting in the city, combined with high living costs and limited support for working mothers, prompted her to reconsider her long-term plans.

One of the primary motivations for relocating was the desire to raise their daughter in an environment offering better access to affordable healthcare and educational opportunities, concerns exacerbated by the ongoing political climate and regional disparities in women’s rights in the United States.

Professionally, Dublin presented compelling opportunities. Mattrey has engaged extensively with the National Opera of Ireland and participated in events such as the Dublin Fringe Festival. The city’s proximity to European cultural hubs also facilitates her frequent travel for performances and collaborations across the continent.

Adapting to life in Dublin has been a gradual process. Initially, Mattrey faced isolation, compounded by the challenges of settling in a new country with a young child and limited social networks. She observed notable cultural differences in forming friendships, citing a more reserved and time-consuming dynamic compared to the openness she experienced in the northeastern US.

Despite these challenges, Mattrey acknowledges that her status as an American newcomer provides a level of understanding from locals, who may attribute her differing social approach to her outsider perspective. This dynamic has aided her integration into Dublin’s communities over time.

Her family history also adds layers to her identity and experience. Mattrey is the daughter of a Lebanese father who emigrated after the 1967 conflict in the Middle East. Recent geopolitical events, including the October 2024 invasion of Israel, have further underscored the complex global backdrop against which her personal and professional life unfolds.

Mattrey’s journey encapsulates the nuanced considerations faced by modern musicians balancing career ambitions with family life amid shifting political and economic landscapes. Her transatlantic move underscores the interplay between cultural adaptation and artistic pursuit, illustrating how geographic relocation can redefine both personal identity and professional pathways.