Focus
A Palette That is Subtly Unique
Nonesuch Records has just released a recording of Donnacha Dennehy’s major work 'Land of Winter', a 12-movement piece exploring Ireland's seasons. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
An Irresistible Contradiction
Irish National Opera's production of Verdi's 'Rigoletto' is currently running at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Adrian Smith reviews.
Catherine Martin Swept Aside the Old Excuses for Not Supporting the Arts
The Minister for Arts has lost her seat in the General Election, but she leaves a formidable legacy, writes Toner Quinn.
A Travelogue of Places and Eras
Niwel Tsumbu has just released an album on Diatribe records of predominantly solo guitar. Don O'Mahony reviews.
Polyrhythms and Púcaí
The 12th Fidelio Trio Winter Chamber Music Festival took place on 22–24 November in Belvedere House, Dublin, and featured works by Shaun Davey, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Niall Vallely and Ailís Ní Riain, as well as marking the centenary of the death of Gabriel Fauré. Adrian Smith reviews.
Mapping Ireland’s Musical Identity
A new three-part series exploring music in Ireland, 'Creedon's Musical Atlas of Ireland' presented by John Creedon, was recently broadcast on RTÉ One. Lillis Ó Laoire reviews.
What’s Next for Irish Music?
What does the recent trajectory of the arts in Ireland – from Arts Council funding increases to the Basic Income pilot – mean for musicians? How can we further strengthen music across Ireland? And what do these developments mean for the tradition of the Irish harp? This is an edited version of the Harp Ireland/Cruit Éireann Annual Lecture, given by Toner Quinn on 17 November 2024 at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
A New Voice, Thoughtful and Still
Ergodos has just released 'Sea Salt and Turpentine', the debut album from composer Caterina Schembri featuring the Ficino Ensemble and Michelle O'Rourke. Brendan Finan reviews.
A Solution in Search of a Problem
Singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill performed with the National Symphony Orchestra on 16 November as part of the Tradition Now festival at the NCH. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
In Bravo Company: Yeats, Shakespeare and the Unexpected
New Dublin Voices performed six newly commissioned settings of Yeats poems at the Pepper Canister Church on 9 November as well as works by Matthew Harris and Jaakko Mäntyjärvi. Brendan Finan reviews.