Criticism

Boundary Pushing Start for New Irish Musical Theatre Group Boundary Pushing Start for New Irish Musical Theatre Group Thomas Neill Newly established musical theatre group Entr’acte performed the coming-of-age show 'Spring Awakening' at Smock Alley Theatre on 25–28 January. Thomas Neill reviews.
A Homecoming Away from Home A Homecoming Away from Home Brendan Finan The Inishowen Trad Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Martin Tourish, presented a new work, 'Inishowen', at the National Concert Hall on 22 January. Brendan Finan reviews.
The Gradual Unfolding of Ideas The Gradual Unfolding of Ideas Adrian Smith Last week the National Symphony Orchestra performed four world premieres by Irish composers – orchestral works by Adam McCartney, Seán O’Dálaigh, Judith Ring and Karen Power. Adrian Smith reviews.
Lesser-known Pathways of the Baroque in Ireland Lesser-known Pathways of the Baroque in Ireland Mark Fitzgerald The Irish Baroque Orchestra has recently released a third CD focusing on music that would have been heard in eighteenth-century Dublin, 'The Hibernian Muse – Music for Ireland by Purcell and Cousser', with Peter Whelan conducting and featuring the chamber choir Sestina. Mark Fitzgerald reviews.
Crash Looking Forward and Back Crash Looking Forward and Back Brendan Finan Crash Ensemble celebrated 25 years with two concerts at the NCH on 3–4 December. Brendan Finan reviews the Saturday performance, which featured a new work by Diamanda La Berge Dramm and Neva Elliott, and Donnacha Dennehy's 'Grá agus Bás'.
The Things That Keep People Connected The Things That Keep People Connected James Camien McGuiggan The 2022 Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival took place on 18–27 November and included a focus on Ireland and Australia as well as performances by Pat Thomas, Explore Ensemble and more. James Camien McGuiggan reviews the final weekend.
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.

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