The Ritual of Daily Tunes
Brendan Finan
Lau fiddle-player Aidan O'Rourke has just released his fifth solo album, twenty-five tune compositions in response to the stories of James Robertson, accompanied by jazz pianist Kit Downes. Brendan Finan reviews.
Narrow Focus on a Repellent Worldview
Toner Quinn
Irish National Opera gave the world premiere of 'Least Like the Other: Searching for Rosemary Kennedy' in Galway this week, a work by composer Brian Irvine and director Netia Jones that tells the story of JFK's sister. Toner Quinn reviews.
Shining a New Light
Toner Quinn
Luminosa string orchestra recently held its inaugural concerts in Galway, the first focussing on work by female composers and the second on the theme of landscape and music. Toner Quinn reviews.
Faith in the Crowd
Kerri Haberlin
In the latest review from our new Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by Galway City and County Arts Offices, Kerri Haberlin reviews Dublin rapper Jafaris at the Róisin Dubh.
To See the Changing Light
Brendan Finan
Louth Contemporary Music Society's festival focussed on the work of Kaija Saariaho this year (21–22 June), with the composer in attendance. Brendan Finan reviews.
Sticks in the Air
Brendan Finan
The Colin Currie Quartet gave the Irish premiere of Kevin Volans' '4 Marimbas' at the recent Great Music in Irish Houses festival, as well as performances of works by Reich, Pereira, Xenakis and Stockhausen. Brendan Finan reviews.
An Exchange in the Truest Sense
Don O'Mahony
The New Irish Jazz Orchestra directed by Paul Dunlea recently collaborated with fiddle-player Martin Hayes for a concert at the Curtis Auditorium in Cork (16 June). Don O'Mahony reviews.
Songs with History
Rachel Deckard
In the fifth review from our new Music Writer Mentoring Scheme, supported by Galway City and County Arts Offices, Rachel Deckard reviews Ye Vagabonds at the Róisín Dubh in Galway, a concert to showcase their latest album 'The Hare's Lament'.
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Fired in the Crucible of Dance
Raelach Records' latest release, 'Dúchas', is from Clare button accordionist Damien O’Reilly. Adrian Scahill reviews.
Still Feeding Folk's Roots
Now in its eightieth year, Topic has just released a double-album of artists singing classic songs previously released on the label. Shannon McNamee reviews.