Hard Questions Matter
Laura Watson
In a raw and discomfiting experience at the MAC in Belfast, Josette Bushell-Mingo explored the political and musical legacy of Nina Simone, writes Laura Watson.
Beyond the Walls
Aine Cronin-McCartney
In the fourth review from our 2018 Northern Ireland Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Aine Cronin-McCartney attends Ulster Orchestra's EO Lab collaboration with singer-songwriters and electronic artists.
Not Your Ordinary Megalomaniacal Psycho
Adrian Smith
Irish National Opera presented the Irish staged premiere of Bartók's 'Bluebeard’s Castle' on 12–14 October, with its luminous music and dark folk-tale of castle doors revealing the inner world of the protagonist. The production came with a twist, however, writes Adrian Smith.
Memory Flow
Ian Bascombe
Founded in 2012, composer Dave Flynn's Irish Memory Orchestra features classical and traditional musicians who play completely by memory. In their latest tour, performing in Ennis, Cork and Kilkenny, they were joined by soloist Máirtín O'Connor. Ian Bascombe reviews.
A New Edge to the West
Toner Quinn
The Galway Jazz Festival has a new momentum and was bigger again this year – Toner Quinn attended a mix of concerts, from the Radio String Quartet to Peter Broderick, plus a debate on Brexit.
The Challenge to the Gaeltacht Remains
Barra Ó Séaghdha
‘Aisling?’, a new show of music, song, dance and literature directed by Darach Mac Con Iomaire and commissioned by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, was presented as a central part of ‘Bliain na Gaeilge’ – a year-long celebration of the Irish language. Barra Ó Séaghdha reviews its Dublin premiere.
Emotional Openness
Anna Murray
Ólafur Arnalds wrote his most recent album with the input of a live generative system, but how do these ghostly player pianos work in concert? Anna Murray reviews his recent concert at the National Concert Hall.
Experiments in Musical Language
Brendan Finan
The 2018 edition of New Music Dublin featured two ambitious concertos by Unsuk Chin and Kevin Volans exploring the language of the traditional sheng from China and the Irish uilleann pipes. Brendan Finan reviews.
Shocking Invention
Anna Murray
In the first concert of their Music Network tour, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Máirtín O'Connor and Séamie O'Dowd moved between playfulness and finesse, writes Anna Murray.
On Risk and Restraint
Adrian Smith
Adrian Smith reviews the opening concert of the Irish Chamber Orchestra's 2018/19 season, conducted by French conductor Jean-Christophe Spinosi and featuring a new work by Sam Perkin.
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