Criticism

A Voice His Own, Rarely Alone A Voice His Own, Rarely Alone Brendan Finan After a delay of two years due to the pandemic, fiddle player Martin Hayes finally premiered his new group the Common Ground Ensemble at the National Concert Hall last weekend. Brendan Finan reviews.
Radical Bach? Radical Bach? Mark Fitzgerald Xenia Pestova Bennett and Ed Bennett have recently released a reimagining of Bach's 'Goldberg Variations' on the Ergodos label. Mark Fitzgerald reviews.
Some Kind of Magic in Cork Some Kind of Magic in Cork Brendan Finan The seventh Ortús Chamber Music Festival took place recently in Cork, featuring Mairéad Hickey, Fiachra Garvey and a new work by Sebastian Adams. Brendan Finan reviews.
Striking a Celebratory Tone Striking a Celebratory Tone Adrian Smith The National Symphony Orchestra presented two concerts for International Women’s Day featuring a range of works by female composers with soloists Catriona Ryan, Louise Mulcahy, Sharon Shannon, Ava Dodd, Zoë Conway and AIS. Adrian Smith reviews.
Reflections on Home from Norway to Ukraine Reflections on Home from Norway to Ukraine James Camien McGuiggan Norwegian violinist and composer Henning Kraggerud recently performed with the Irish Chamber Orchestra at the NCH. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Sophisticated Sound World Sophisticated Sound World Geoffrey Spratt The viola player Constantin Zanidache, founder member of the Academica Quartet and a former teacher at MTU Cork School of Music, recently gave a recital of Bach and John Kinsella in the Curtis Auditorium. Geoffrey Spratt reviews.
Against Typecasting Against Typecasting Brendan Finan Malachy Robinson's recent album 'The Irish Double Bass' features works by his grandfather Joseph Groocock, Eoghan Desmond, John Kinsella, Ian Wilson, Kevin O'Connell, Judith Ring, Deirdre Gribbin, and Ryan Molloy. Brendan Finan reviews.
Drawing on a Host of Traditions Drawing on a Host of Traditions James Camien McGuiggan The Fidelio Trio have recently released an album of chamber music by Ernest Moeran with works dating from the 1920s to the 40s. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Different Words for Cello Worlds Different Words for Cello Worlds Brendan Finan The Spike alternative cello festival took place in Dublin on the weekend of 11–13 February. Brendan Finan reviews the Saturday night performance at the Pepper Canister featuring Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Martin Johnson and Adrian Mantu.
The Darkness She Creates The Darkness She Creates Andrea Cleary Síobhra Quinlan, performing as sfiiinx, has just released her debut album 'The Magma Chamber' on the Ergodos label. Andrea Cleary reviews.

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