Criticism

An Otherworldly Destination An Otherworldly Destination Shannon McNamee Composer Judith Ring's first body of work featuring her own singing is both gentle and complex writes Shannon McNamee in her second Journal of Music/Galway City Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme review.
Reimagining Belfast Reimagining Belfast Toner Quinn Fiddle-player Conor Caldwell's diverse new album is inspired by both the historic work of collector Edward Bunting and the sounds of contemporary Belfast, writes Toner Quinn.
Hamilton's Relentless Pursuit Hamilton's Relentless Pursuit Adrian Smith Andrew Hamilton's 'music for people who like art' was the nearest thing to a smash hit in contemporary music, writes Adrian Smith. A new recording on the NMC label includes works composed either side of it too.
Misunderstandings, Trickery and Guile Misunderstandings, Trickery and Guile Brendan Finan Irish National Opera's production of The Marriage of Figaro was fresh, visually arresting and cartoonish, writes Brendan Finan. But why does opera still rely on women's stories as told by men?
The Theatre of the Sonic Object The Theatre of the Sonic Object Anna Murray The Music Current festival continues to present intriguing, uncompromising sound works, as Anna Murray found at a performance by Yarn | Wire.
Undeniable Craft Undeniable Craft Brendan Finan Brendan Finan finds self-assurance and careful design in this new collection of Bill Whelan's orchestral works, released on the RTÉ Lyric FM label.
Pointing Towards the Future Pointing Towards the Future Anna Murray Belfast harper Úna Monaghan's new album is a surprising – sometimes startling – mix of traditional music material and electronics, writes Anna Murray.
From Broken Dream to Musical Healing From Broken Dream to Musical Healing Adrian Scahill Adrian Scahill reviews 'Aisling Ghéar', a stark and unflinching new documentary on the concertina player Noel Hill.
Opera for Our Time Opera for Our Time Adrian Smith For its very first production, Irish National Opera presented Thomas Adès’ 'Powder Her Face', a story of female empowerment and upper-class complacency. Adrian Smith reviews.
Hear the Water Hear the Water Julie Seagrave Naomi Berrill's new album is an ode to sea, using cello and vocals to conjure up its sounds. Julie Seagrave – in her second review as part of the Journal of Music/Galway City Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme – hears undercurrents, unexpected pulls and more.

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