Criticism

The Nature of Protest The Nature of Protest Vincent Hughes Created by students from the University of Cape Town, 'The Fall', which was performed at the Galway International Arts Festival, marshals the power of protest song and dance to explore discrimination in all its forms. Vincent Hughes reviews.
Adventurous Spirit Adventurous Spirit Toner Quinn Irish National Opera continues to experiment and excite with a production of Gluck's 'Orfeo ed Euridice' in Galway and a spectacular performance by Sharon Carty, writes Toner Quinn.
Following the Logic of Dreams Following the Logic of Dreams Brendan Finan Collaboration is at the heart of Seán Mac Erlaine's third album on the Ergodos label, in which patterns and textures shift subtly and constantly. Brendan Finan reviews.
Sever the Ties That Bind Sever the Ties That Bind Vincent Hughes Hilary Woods' 'Colt' is permeated with desolation, tension and intimacy, with moments that would sound at home in Twin Peaks. Vincent Hughes reviews.
Challenging Heights Challenging Heights John McLachlan Composer Ed Bennett's latest release with his ensemble Decibel has just the right number of swerves and asymmetries, writes John McLachlan.
Words, Music and the Surrounding Silence Words, Music and the Surrounding Silence Mark Fitzgerald Mark Fitzgerald reviews the first Beckett Chamber Music Series, which took place at the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, on 24, 27 and 30 June.
Interweaving Lines Interweaving Lines Adrian Scahill What is the common heritage between traditional Irish tunes and Baroque dances? Adrian Scahill reviews a new recording on the RTÉ Lyric FM label.
Uncommon Roscommon Uncommon Roscommon Brendan Finan 'The Golden Cassette', a recording of work by prolific outsider artist Caoimhín Breathnach, includes his subliminal tapes, which he subjected to odd physical processes, from burning them to screening kung fu films for them. The experience of listening goes beyond the music, writes Brendan Finan.
Once Was Dust Once Was Dust Don O'Mahony Exploring scientific theory, natural phenomena and human behaviour, 'In Clouds' is a new collaborative performance directed by composer Peter Power. Commissioned by Cork Midsummer Festival and Triskel Arts Centre to mark 40 years of the venue, the work was performed on 15 June. Don O'Mahony reviews.
Honesty and Vulnerability Honesty and Vulnerability Anna Murray Chamber Choir Ireland, conducted by Nicolas Fink, created a programme of sacred but intensely personal music with Between Us. Anna Murray reviews their performance at Hugh Lane Gallery.

Pages