Music Out of Time
Toner Quinn
Music for Galway recently presented the world premiere of Gerald Barry's 'Cello Concerto' and the Irish premiere of Julia Wolfe's 'Wind in My Hair'. Toner Quinn reviews.
Sean-nós on Its Own Terms
Adrian Scahill
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Ceara Conway and Inni-K have all recently released CDs that reimagine the performance of Irish sean-nós songs. Adrian Scahill reviews.
Not a Journey But a Place
Brendan Finan
Last weekend, Louth Contemporary Music Society presented the Irish premiere of American composer Michael Pisaro-Liu's, ‘asleep, wind, voice, poe’. The concert featured London group Apartment House, pianist David Bremner, composer and audio producer David Stalling, and actor Olwen Fouéré. Brendan Finan reviews.
Shades of Drama and Light
James Camien McGuiggan
Last week, the National Symphony Orchestra performed under Portuguese conductor Joana Carneiro a programme of works by Salonen, Mahler, and Stravinsky, featuring mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Two Days in Belfast
Drew Stephens
The music and sound art festival Sonorities returned this month following a pause due to the pandemic. Drew Stephens attended a cross-section of the event in Belfast on 7–8 April.
Making Unlikely Things Possible
James Camien McGuiggan
The Music Current contemporary music festival returned last week post-pandemic and featured international groups Splinter Reeds, Loadbang and Ensemble Garage, Barry Guy and Maya Homburger, and a range of premieres. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Not Its Usual Scream
Brendan Finan
Pianist Michael McHale has recently released an album that combines the famous Beethoven 'Moonlight' and' Appassionata' sonatas with new works by Linda Buckley and Áine Mallon. Brendan Finan reviews.
Intuitive Decisions
Andrea Cleary
Not long after a remarkable second appearance on James Corden's 'Late Late Show' in the US, Pillow Queens have released their new album, 'Leave The Light On'. Andrea Cleary reviews.
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Representing Ireland's Damaged Past
Farpoint Recordings have recently released 'SacrumProfanum' by composer Benjamin Dwyer, a work for ensemble and tape inspired by the medieval Sheela-na-gig carvings found in Ireland. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
An Ambitious and Diverse Return
New Music Dublin returned last week with a fully live event from 28 April to 1 May, and 39 world premieres. Adrian Smith reviews.