Criticism

Spinning the Orchestra Spinning the Orchestra Anna Murray Composer and turntablist Shiva Feshareki joined the BBC Concert Orchestra for the premiere of her work 'Dialogues' as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Anna Murray reviews.
Anchoring the Tension Anchoring the Tension Toner Quinn Toner Quinn reviews a Music and Musings concert in Galway featuring the world premiere of Greg Caffrey's fourth string quartet.
Layering Irony and Politics Layering Irony and Politics Brendan Finan Irish National Opera's final production of its first season is a non-traditional retelling of Verdi's 'Aida' featuring Gwyn Hughes Jones, Orla Boylan and Imelda Drumm in the lead roles. A visually spectacular production, it brings the story's imperialism to the centre, writes Brendan Finan.
Sounding from the Page Sounding from the Page Laura Sheary Known for his innovative music broadcasting, John Kelly's first collection of poetry, 'Notions', which has just been published by Dedalus Press, finds beauty in the small things, writes Laura Sheary.
Opera and Dance Music from the Poly-Doyle Opera and Dance Music from the Poly-Doyle Brendan Finan Brendan Finan reviews two recordings from the diverse musical world of Roger Doyle – his 2018 'Heresy' opera and a forthcoming release of new pieces based on the same work.
Fiery Choral Competition in Derry Fiery Choral Competition in Derry Marc Gregg Marc Gregg reviews the Saturday night at the recent City of Derry International Choral Festival and experiences the intense, creative nature of competition.
Traditional Psychodrama Traditional Psychodrama Anna Murray The 4th Tradition Now festival took place at the NCH at the end of October. Anna Murray reviews a new work for Iarla Ó Lionáird and a performance of Sam Perkin's 'Pause' based on the song 'The Foggy Dew'.
The Gift of Music The Gift of Music Adrian Scahill Yvonne Casey's second solo fiddle album 'Croí' displays a very individual and developed style, writes Adrian Scahill.
Hard Questions Matter Hard Questions Matter Laura Watson In a raw and discomfiting experience at the MAC in Belfast, Josette Bushell-Mingo explored the political and musical legacy of Nina Simone, writes Laura Watson.
Beyond the Walls Beyond the Walls Aine Cronin-McCartney In the fourth review from our 2018 Northern Ireland Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Aine Cronin-McCartney attends Ulster Orchestra's EO Lab collaboration with singer-songwriters and electronic artists.

Pages