Focus

Sean-nós on Its Own Terms Sean-nós on Its Own Terms Adrian Scahill Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Ceara Conway and Inni-K have all recently released CDs that reimagine the performance of Irish sean-nós songs. Adrian Scahill reviews.
Not a Journey But a Place Not a Journey But a Place Brendan Finan Last weekend, Louth Contemporary Music Society presented the Irish premiere of American composer Michael Pisaro-Liu's, ‘asleep, wind, voice, poe’. The concert featured London group Apartment House, pianist David Bremner, composer and audio producer David Stalling, and actor Olwen Fouéré. Brendan Finan reviews.
Shades of Drama and Light Shades of Drama and Light James Camien McGuiggan Last week, the National Symphony Orchestra performed under Portuguese conductor Joana Carneiro a programme of works by Salonen, Mahler, and Stravinsky, featuring mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
An Ambitious and Diverse Return An Ambitious and Diverse Return Adrian Smith New Music Dublin returned last week with a fully live event from 28 April to 1 May, and 39 world premieres. Adrian Smith reviews.
A Limited Edition A Limited Edition Laura Watson A new collection of essays, 'This Woman's Work', focuses on the female experience of music and aims to challenge 'the historic narrative of music and music writing being written by men, for men’. Laura Watson reviews.
Two Days in Belfast Two Days in Belfast Drew Stephens The music and sound art festival Sonorities returned this month following a pause due to the pandemic. Drew Stephens attended a cross-section of the event in Belfast on 7–8 April.
Making Unlikely Things Possible Making Unlikely Things Possible James Camien McGuiggan The Music Current contemporary music festival returned last week post-pandemic and featured international groups Splinter Reeds, Loadbang and Ensemble Garage, Barry Guy and Maya Homburger, and a range of premieres. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Not Its Usual Scream Not Its Usual Scream Brendan Finan Pianist Michael McHale has recently released an album that combines the famous Beethoven 'Moonlight' and' Appassionata' sonatas with new works by Linda Buckley and Áine Mallon. Brendan Finan reviews.
Intuitive Decisions Intuitive Decisions Andrea Cleary Not long after a remarkable second appearance on James Corden's 'Late Late Show' in the US, Pillow Queens have released their new album, 'Leave The Light On'. Andrea Cleary reviews.
Raidió na 'Fuddy-Duddies'? Raidió na 'Fuddy-Duddies'? Toner Quinn RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta celebrates 50 years this month, but however great its achievements and its positive impact on traditional music and song, Irish-language media cannot stand still, writes Toner Quinn.

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