Focus
Music and the Arts Need Ideas and Debate Too
The writer Desmond Fennell, who died this week, had clear ideas about the role of new thinking and debate in society. They are relevant to Irish music today, writes Toner Quinn. 
Gathering and Scattering Sounds
The Galway orchestra Luminosa recently premiered a new adventurous work by Sam Perkin as part of its second 'Arcadia' concert. Brendan Finan reviews. 
Personal Departure
Danny Diamond's recently released album with Brian Miller, 'Let Fly', marks a change from earlier recordings. Kevin McCullagh reviews. 
Between Oppositions
In July, the Dutch Ragazze Quartet premiered Garth Knox's new work 'Four Into Twenty' as part of the online West Cork Chamber Music Festival. Adrian Smith reviews. 
Elusive Sounds
Saint Sister recently released their second album 'Where I Should End'. Andrea Cleary reviews. 
Why Isn’t Irish Traditional Music ‘Curated’ Too?
Now in its seventh edition, the latest 'Tradition Now' festival took place at the National Concert Hall on 19–20 June, but it is still not clear what this event is trying to achieve, writes Toner Quinn. 
A Gripping Memoir Woven Through with Trauma
In her recently published memoir, 'Rememberings', Sinéad O'Connor takes ownership of the narrative around her life and music, writes Laura Watson.
Midsummer Reinvention
The world premiere of David Fennessy's 'Rosewoods' for guitar and orchestra took place on Monday 21 June as part of the Dublin International Chamber Music Festival. Adrian Smith reviews. 
Within the Stillness
Released in March, 'Lipids' features three works by Barry O'Halpin performed by Crash Ensemble and the composer. James Camien McGuiggan reviews. 
Avoiding Convention
The first CD devoted entirely to the work of Irish composer John McLachlan has recently been released on Farpoint Recordings. Mark Fitzgerald reviews.