Criticism

Love and Conflict at the NCH Love and Conflict at the NCH Adrian Smith It is a critical time for the RTÉ NSO, but it celebrated its 70th year with a diverse programme and impassioned performances, writes Adrian Smith.
Layers of Knowledge Layers of Knowledge Ruth Smith In her second review as part of our Journal of Music/Clare County Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, Ruth Smith listens to An Tara's 'genre-curious' album 'Faha Rain'.
Musical Tricks Musical Tricks Brendan Finan Brendan Finan reviews a recent staging of Michael William Balfe's 'The Sleeping Queen' – the second Irish opera revival in recent months.
Under an Irish Sky Under an Irish Sky Ian Bascombe In the latest piece from our County Clare Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, Ian Bascombe reviews the new recording from harper Floriane Blancke.
Recalling Joe Heaney Recalling Joe Heaney Anna Murray Far from a standard musical biopic, Pat Collins's film on sean-nós singer Joe Heaney, 'Song of Granite', explores the world of the wandering artist through sound and place, writes Anna Murray.
Moments of Striking Optimism Moments of Striking Optimism Vincent Hughes In his second review as part of the Journal of Music/Galway City Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, Vincent Hughes reviews the RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominated album 'Wild Alee' by Talos and attends their recent performance at the Róisín Dubh.
Straight to this Heart Straight to this Heart Julie Seagrave In the latest review from our Journal of Music/Galway City Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, Julie Seagrave hears the songs and stories of Loah at the Galway International Arts Festival.
Crash Hit the Twenties Running Crash Hit the Twenties Running Adrian Smith Crash Ensemble celebrated 20 years with two nights at the National Concert Hall in November. Adrian Smith reviews all twenty newly commissioned works, from composers Andrew Hamilton, Ann Cleare, Jennifer Walshe, Sean Clancy and many more.
Retelling a Bloody Myth Retelling a Bloody Myth Liam Cagney Liam Cagney reviews 'Umbilical', composer Benjamin Dwyer's retelling of Oedipus, recently released on Diatribe Records.
Ceding Musical Territories Ceding Musical Territories Anna Murray How does a 95-year-old International Society for Contemporary Music shake up its programming? Anna Murray attended the ISCM World New Music Days festival in Vancouver and heard how new ideas can take effect.

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