Focus

David Keenan's Sense of Place David Keenan's Sense of Place Shannon McNamee Over the last decade, a number of remarkable artists have emerged from the music scene in Dundalk, David Keenan key among them. This month, he released his poetic second album, "What Then?". But what is it about this border town that generated a different type of music scene, and why now? Shannon McNamee writes about her home county and Keenan's unique voice.
Hear Him Out Hear Him Out James Camien McGuiggan Composer Dave Flynn has recently released an album of string quartet and chamber works, 'Irish Minimalism', which combines traditional Irish and contemporary music. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
The Weight That Cultural Spaces Hold The Weight That Cultural Spaces Hold Andrea Cleary The latest release from Ergodos is a collection of duets recorded by Ross Turner in the off-stage spaces of the National Concert Hall. Andrea Cleary reviews.
Hollowed Out by Her Past Hollowed Out by Her Past Adrian Smith Donnacha Dennehy and Enda Walsh's new opera, 'The First Child', premiered at the Dublin Theatre Festival at the weekend. Adrian Smith reviews.
Female Grief, Sorrow and Sacrifice Female Grief, Sorrow and Sacrifice Michael Quinn Roger Doyle has recently released his second electronic opera, 'iGirl', with a libretto by Marina Carr. Michael Quinn reviews.
We Have Celebrated Ó Riada Enough We Have Celebrated Ó Riada Enough Toner Quinn On 25 September, the National Concert Hall, the Arts Council and RTÉ presented two tribute concerts to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Seán Ó Riada's death. Toner Quinn reviews.
Shouting About Housing Shouting About Housing James Camien McGuiggan 'Music for Cranes', a site-specific performance by Kirkos ensemble, recently took place as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
A Glimpse into Her Inner World A Glimpse into Her Inner World Adrian Smith A collection of songs by Ina Boyle has been just released on Delphian Records and features Paula Murrihy, Robin Tritschler, Ben McAteer and Iain Burnside performing 33 works by the twentieth-century Irish composer. Adrian Smith reviews.
No One is Talking About What Musicians Get Paid No One is Talking About What Musicians Get Paid Toner Quinn The new report on the night-time economy has 36 recommendations, but it has an unfortunate blindspot, writes Toner Quinn.
An Opera of Sympathy and Fury An Opera of Sympathy and Fury Brendan Finan A new version of 'Least Like the Other' by Brian Irvine and Netia Jones premiered in Dublin this month. Brendan Finan reviews.

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