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.
Lose Myself in this World
Don O'Mahony
Cork Midsummer Festival on 19–22 June featured an ambitious new work by composer Karen Power featuring vocalists Ute Wassermann and Michelle O’Rourke, the Quiet Music Ensemble and a specially formed sound choir. Don O'Mahony 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'.
Dream of Distortion
Shannon McNamee
Just Mustard from Dundalk recently supported The Cure and this week were announced for the Iceland Airwaves festival. Shannon McNamee reviews their Galway concert at the Róisín Dubh.
Generation Borderless
Toner Quinn
Other Voices took place in Belfast at the weekend, accompanied by a number of discussions on borders, cultural breakthroughs and the redemptive power of music, writes Toner Quinn.
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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.