Focus

The Orchestras are Only One Part of the Question The Orchestras are Only One Part of the Question Toner Quinn The debate around RTÉ's orchestras points to deeper challenges – it's essential that we keep this conversation going, writes Toner Quinn.
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 explores '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.
Musicians and Conductors Speak Out on RTÉ Orchestral Review Musicians and Conductors Speak Out on RTÉ Orchestral Review Growing concern from music community over implications for musical life if orchestras diminished –  we speak to conductors Fergus Sheil and Sinéad Hayes, composer and pianist Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin and violinist Elizabeth Cooney, all of whom have performed with the RTÉ orchestras.
Dig it in Galway Dig it in Galway Toner Quinn The Galway Jazz Festival is on an ambitious new path – with over 40 events over 4 days held in October. Toner Quinn attended three sold-out shows at the Mick Lally Theatre.
A Gaelic Night at the Opera A Gaelic Night at the Opera Brendan Finan Opera could use more moments like this, particularly in Ireland, writes Brendan Finan about the recent performance of Robert O'Dwyer's Irish-language work 'Eithne', but what about the music?
Like a Journey Like a Journey Anna Murray Laura Hyland's Clang Sayne band bring together a subtle range of influences for her song sculptures. Anna Murray attended their recent performance at Little Museum of Dublin – the first in the new season of the Ergodos Santa Rita concert series.
Triple Tradition at the Fleadh Cheoil Triple Tradition at the Fleadh Cheoil Alan Reid At the Fleadh Cheoil in Ennis in August, Alan Reid – one of the participants in our Journal of Music/Clare County Music Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme – attended three concerts of traditional music in one, featuring The Boruma Trio with special guests Eamonn Cotter, Karen Ryan and Pete Quinn.

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