Focus

What Ever Happened to Britten in Ireland? What Ever Happened to Britten in Ireland? Thomas Neill Benjamin Britten is one of the most unique composers of the twentieth century, but in Ireland the programming of his work has been inconsistent, writes Thomas Neill.
Between What Was and What Might Be Between What Was and What Might Be Adrian Scahill Singer and songwriter Paul Brady has recently published a memoir of his life in music, 'Crazy Dreams', which explores growing up in Strabane, the folk scene of the 60s and 70s, his seminal albums and songs, and recent projects. Adrian Scahill reviews.
Music in a Land of Contradictions Music in a Land of Contradictions Christopher Fox Arts Council England's recent funding decisions have set opera companies, orchestras and even musical genres against one another. The controversy demonstrates why musicians have to stand together, writes composer Christopher Fox.
Tracing a Life's Path Tracing a Life's Path Brendan Finan Accordion player and composer Johnny Óg Connolly has just completed a national tour with his new work 'An Cosán Draíochta'. Brendan Finan reviews the performance at Solstice Arts Centre on 11 November.
A Joyous Debut A Joyous Debut Adrian Smith The Chineke! Orchestra, Europe's first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra, made their Irish debut at the NCH on 13 November, with soloist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason. Adrian Smith reviews.
A Hymn to Nature and Freedom A Hymn to Nature and Freedom Adrian Smith Irish National Opera's 'William Tell' – the first production of the Rossini opera in Ireland for 145 years – opened at the Gaiety Theatre on 8 November and runs until Sunday. Adrian Smith reviews.
Playing to His Strengths Playing to His Strengths Adrian Scahill Frankie Gavin's new solo album, 'Port Éireann', with Catherine McHugh on piano, contains classic traditional sets, a new composition, and a tribute to Joe Burke. Adrian Scahill reviews.
A Tradition Carried Forward A Tradition Carried Forward James Camien McGuiggan 'MÁM' by Michael Keegan-Dolan and dance company Teaċ Daṁsa, featuring concertina player Cormac Begley and the Berlin-based collective s t a r g a z e, is currently on tour. James Camien McGuiggan reviews a performance in Portarlington Community Centre on 28 October.
The Pacing of Big Moments The Pacing of Big Moments Adrian Smith The newly formed Pirosmani Quartet (Mairéad Hickey, William Hagen, Georgy Kovalev and Aleksey Shadrin) performed works by Seán Doherty, Beethoven and Brahms at the NCH on 23 October, the final date of a nationwide tour presented by the National String Quartet Foundation. Adrian Smith reviews.
A Rare Road in Irish Music A Rare Road in Irish Music Brendan Finan Composer Bill Whelan's new memoir, 'The Road to Riverdance', explores growing up in Limerick, working in the Irish music industry, and the famous performance of his work during the Eurovision interval in 1994. Brendan Finan reviews.

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