Focus

Minor Melancholia Minor Melancholia Adrian Smith 'The Blue Light', a new album by composer Garrett Sholdice, has just been released on the Ergodos label. Adrian Smith reviews.
Nurturing a New Generation of Sean-nós Singers Nurturing a New Generation of Sean-nós Singers Toner Quinn TG4 recently broadcast 'Bláth na hÓige', a seven-part series focusing on the emerging generation of sean-nós singers, and the music has just been released on the Gael Linn label. Toner Quinn reviews.
In the Presence of Potts In the Presence of Potts Brendan Finan The premiere of Neil Ó Lochlainn's new suite 'Tairseach', inspired by the music of fiddle player Tommie Potts, took place at Solstice Arts Centre on 26 May. Brendan Finan reviews.
The Many Sides of Erased Tapes The Many Sides of Erased Tapes Drew Stephens On 20 May, the National Concert Hall hosted an evening of concerts to mark 15 years of the Erased Tapes contemporary music label. Drew Stephens reviews.
A Hard-hitting Commentary on the Experience of Asylum Seekers A Hard-hitting Commentary on the Experience of Asylum Seekers Brendan Finan Composer Jamie Thompson's Adjunct Ensemble has just released 'Sovereign Bodies / Ritual Taxonomy' on the Diatribe label, focusing on the ordeal of asylum seekers. Brendan Finan reviews.
A Traditional Fiddler in the Modern World: Exploring the Music of Paddy Canny A Traditional Fiddler in the Modern World: Exploring the Music of Paddy Canny Martin Dowling A new book by Helen O’Shea, 'No Better Boy: Listening to Paddy Canny', journeys into the art of the great East Clare fiddle player. Martin Dowling reviews.
‘Listen, listen and listen’: RIP Fiddle Player Seán Keane ‘Listen, listen and listen’: RIP Fiddle Player Seán Keane Toner Quinn A tribute to the Irish fiddle player Seán Keane who died on 7 May.
Conflict and Sorrow in Rural Ireland Conflict and Sorrow in Rural Ireland Brendan Finan Irish National Opera's 'Werther', featuring mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan and Italian tenor Paride Cataldo, is currently on a nationwide tour. Brendan Finan reviews a performance at the Solstice Arts Centre.
Sounds and Silences of the Troubles Sounds and Silences of the Troubles Jonathan C. Creasy 'History of the Present', a new opera-film by Maria Fusco and Margaret Salmon exploring the trauma of the Northern Ireland Troubles, with music by Annea Lockwood, received its premiere at the Belfast International Arts Festival this month. Jonathan C. Creasy reviews.
Marking a Decade Exploring the New Music Scene Marking a Decade Exploring the New Music Scene James Camien McGuiggan The 10th New Music Dublin festival took place last weekend and featured major new works by Donnacha Dennehy, Ann Cleare, Kevin Volans, Karen Power and more. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.

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