Focus
Exploring the Rich Musical World of Céilí Band Competition
Fiddle player Philip Duffy has recently published a substantial volume on the history of senior céilí band winners at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from the beginnings in 1951 right up to recent times. Méabh Ní Fhuartháin reviews. 
A Tribute to a Transformative Artist
The Irish Traditional Music Archive hosted a tribute to the late great fiddle player Tommy Peoples at the National Concert Hall on 28 October. Adrian Scahill reviews. 
Into the Sonic Mass
Composer Ed Bennett and cellist Kate Ellis have this month released 'Strange Waves', a new record on the Ergodos label. Adrian Smith reviews. 
Different Strands of a Musical Identity
Fiddle player Sorcha Costello has recently released her debut solo record 'The Primrose Lass'. Adrian Scahill reviews. 
Opening Up Music, History and Creativity
Composer Benjamin Dwyer's new book, 'Music Autopsies: Essays and Interviews (1999–2022)' is a collection of sixteen essays exploring many aspects of creativity, from the impact of Ireland's historical traumas to the work of Beckett, Volans, Crumb, Ligeti and Bernstein. Deirdre Gribbin reviews. 
The Climate Crisis Has to be Felt
An intimate new opera, 'Breathwork' by composer Éna Brennan, received its premiere at the Dublin Theatre Festival last week. Brendan Finan reviews. 
Walshe's World of Dislocation
The world premiere of 'Oscailt', a new work by Jennifer Walshe, took place at the Samuel Beckett Theatre in Dublin on Tuesday 19 September. Adrian Smith reviews. 
Cork on a Good Day
The fourth edition of the Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival took place in Cork on 7–10 September and featured Ólafur Arnalds, The Vernon Spring, Richard Reed Parry, Ye Vagabonds, Niamh Regan and more. Don O'Mahony reviews. 
Demonstrating the Breadth of Irish Contemporary Styles
On 3 September at the Hugh Lane Gallery, violinist Larissa O'Grady performed six new works for violin by Irish composers. Brendan Finan reviews. 
When it Comes to New Music, the NSO Needs to Get a Move On
The National Symphony Orchestra's new season begins on Friday 8 September, the second full season since it moved to the NCH. Adrian Smith looks ahead to some of the highlights and also considers the orchestra's programming of new music. 