Criticism

Shining a New Light Shining a New Light Toner Quinn Luminosa string orchestra recently held its inaugural concerts in Galway, the first focussing on work by female composers and the second on the theme of landscape and music. Toner Quinn reviews.
Faith in the Crowd Faith in the Crowd Kerri Haberlin In the latest review from our new Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by Galway City and County Arts Offices, Kerri Haberlin reviews Dublin rapper Jafaris at the Róisin Dubh.
To See the Changing Light To See the Changing Light Brendan Finan Louth Contemporary Music Society's festival focussed on the work of Kaija Saariaho this year (21–22 June), with the composer in attendance. Brendan Finan reviews.
Sticks in the Air Sticks in the Air Brendan Finan The Colin Currie Quartet gave the Irish premiere of Kevin Volans' '4 Marimbas' at the recent Great Music in Irish Houses festival, as well as performances of works by Reich, Pereira, Xenakis and Stockhausen. Brendan Finan reviews.
An Exchange in the Truest Sense An Exchange in the Truest Sense Don O'Mahony The New Irish Jazz Orchestra directed by Paul Dunlea recently collaborated with fiddle-player Martin Hayes for a concert at the Curtis Auditorium in Cork (16 June). Don O'Mahony reviews.
Songs with History Songs with History Rachel Deckard In the fifth review from our new Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by Galway City and County Arts Offices, Rachel Deckard reviews Ye Vagabonds at the Róisín Dubh in Galway, a concert to showcase their latest album 'The Hare's Lament'.
Dream of Distortion Dream of Distortion Shannon McNamee Just Mustard from Dundalk recently supported The Cure and this week were announced for the Iceland Airwaves festival. Shannon McNamee reviews their Galway concert at the Róisín Dubh.
Travels with My Aria Travels with My Aria Tara Broderick In the fourth review from our new Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by Galway City and County Arts Offices, Tara Broderick reviews mezzo soprano Sharon Carty's concert of 'Suitcase Arias'.
Toast the Nonconformists Toast the Nonconformists Toner Quinn The Open Ear festival of experimental and electronic music on Sherkin Island is now in its fourth year. It has a spirit of nonconformism, and provided one of the most unique moments one could imagine for a music festival, writes Toner Quinn.
Composer Discovers Orchestra! Composer Discovers Orchestra! Adrian Smith Gerald Barry's Viola Concerto received its world premiere last week, performed by Lawrence Power and the Britten Sinfonia with Thomas Adès conducting. It's Barry's third concerto in recent years and it may be 'the wackiest of the lot', writes Adrian Smith.

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