Focus
A Festival of Different Futures
On 14–18 April, Louth Contemporary Music Society presented a five-day online festival featuring work by Sarah Hennies, Kevin Volans, Cornelius Cardew, Leo Brouwer and more. Brendan Finan reviews.
When We Think of a Loved One
Filmmaker and musician Myles O'Reilly has been releasing music under the title of [Indistinct Chatter] since shortly after the pandemic began. His third record of ambient electronica, 'My Mother's Star' was released last month. Don O'Mahony reviews.
Voices So Close
In the summer of 2019, David Balfe released his debut album 'For Those I Love' for a brief period before it disappeared from streaming services. After months of hype, it was finally released in March of this year. Andrea Cleary reviews.
The Small Details of Break-ups
Emerging group NewDad have recently released their debut EP 'Waves'. Kelly Doherty reviews.
Many Sides to the Galway Cello
Music for Galway's inaugural Cellissimo festival, presented in partnership with Galway 2020, took place at the end of March, featuring seven days of cello concerts, workshops, talks, a Bill Whelan world premiere, an exhibition, and a new cello made in Galway. Brendan Finan reviews.
Exploring Musical Life in Ireland in the 1700s
Irish Baroque Orchestra's latest release 'The Trials of Tenducci', featuring Tara Erraught, uncovers a number of works with connections to music in Ireland in the eighteenth-century. Brendan Finan reviews.
Bringing All the Ideas Together
Flute-player Fintan Vallely has recently released 'Merrijig Creek', a solo album of newly composed tunes. Kevin McCullagh reviews.
Diverse Responses to the Earth and Sea
Navona Records have recently released a live album of works for orchestra and large ensemble by Peter Dickson Lopez, Corrina Bonshek and Jane O'Leary. Mark Fitzgerald reviews.
How to Transform Ireland’s Music Business
With Covid-19 now reaching endgame, we're about to enter a new situation: a global music marketplace that's grown a whole lot younger and more technological. In order for Ireland to embrace this future, it needs an ambitious new music plan – with record labels at its heart. Gareth Murphy sets out five steps to help transform Ireland's music business.
A Series of Discoveries in Tipperary
Finding a Voice, the Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, concert series celebrating the music of women composers from the 12th century to present day, took place online from 5 to 8 March. Anna Murray reviews.