Conversations with Joyce
Adrian Smith
The world premiere of a new opera by Evangelia Rigaki and Marina Carr, 'Old Ghosts', inspired by 'Ulysses', took place last week at the Museum of Literature Ireland in Dublin. Adrian Smith reviews.
An Exploratory Suite Inspired by Achill
Adrian Scahill
The group Cuar, led by musician and composer Neil Ó Lochlainn, has recently released its second release, 'Umhaill', featuring Ultan O'Brien, Sam Comerford, Colm O'Hara and Pádraic Keane. Adrian Scahill reviews.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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