Conversations with the Past
Brendan Finan
On 11 September, the Irish Traditional Music Archive hosted a gala concert at the National Concert Hall with a range of musicians and dancers who have featured in its Drawing from the Well series. Brendan Finan reviews.
Expanding the Boundaries of Opera
Adrian Smith
'Out of the Ordinary/As an nGnách', a new opera by Finola Merivale and Jody O’Neill experienced through virtual reality, is currently running as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival. Adrian Smith reviews.
Energy at the Core
Brendan Finan
Irish composer Finola Merivale's debut album 'Tús', winner of the National Concert Hall/Sounding the Feminists Music Recording Award, features five works performed by New York chamber music ensemble Desdemona. Brendan Finan reviews.
A Snapshot of Underground Music Making in Ireland
Don O'Mahony
The Department of Energy, the record label founded by Dan Callanan, has recently released 'May Day (Landscape Mixtape)' featuring 63 tracks from over 40 artists, exploring the theme of local resistance to corporate and state violence. Don O'Mahony reviews.
Clarity of Vision
James Camien McGuiggan
Celebrating ten years, Kirkos ensemble hosted their festival '10' in Dublin in July, featuring new work from Susan Geaney, Sebastian Adams, Jonathan Nangle, Áine Mallon and Robbie Blake. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Sometimes Startled
Mark Fitzgerald
A new album on the Diatribe label features South African pianist Jill Richards performing six of Kevin Volans' études, while the composer plays a number of works by Liszt. Mark Fitzgerald reviews.
Ambient Natural World
Brendan Finan
'Chimp', the new solo album from violinist and singer Diamanda La Berge Dramm, is a collection of avant pop with words by Steven J. Fowler. Brendan Finan reviews.
In-Depth Experience in West Cork
James Camien McGuiggan
Returning for its first live festival since 2019, the West Cork Chamber Music Festival took place from 24 June to 3 July with over 100 concerts. James Camien McGuiggan attended for three days and reviews a number of events.
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Are We Taking Enough Risks with Irish Music on TV?
'The Main Stage', a new music show on RTÉ One, ran for six episodes from July until August this summer and featured artists such as Cormac Begley, Denise Chaila, The Scratch and Tolü Makay. Andrea Cleary reviews. 
Communication Under Constraints
David Bremner's chamber opera 'Slow Recognition' was premiered at Unit 44 in Dublin last week. Brendan Finan reviews.