Focus

The Bishop's Zeal The Bishop's Zeal Adrian Smith The recently released album 'The Red Book of Ossory' by Anakronos is a meeting of medieval music and jazz, inspired by the curious fourteenth-century poems by Richard de Ledrede. Adrian Smith reviews.
John Hume and the Artists That Make Us Think Toner Quinn John Hume's views on the role of artists in a conflict are worth considering today, writes Toner Quinn.
Musicians and Identity – Why There Was Such a Strong Reaction to Minister Heather Humphreys' Comments Musicians and Identity – Why There Was Such a Strong Reaction to Minister Heather Humphreys' Comments Colm Kelly The response from musicians to comments last week by Minister Heather Humphreys about reskilling and retraining was visceral, although her words were not directed towards them. Colm Kelly explores why.
Is Great Music Always Subversive? Is Great Music Always Subversive? James Camien McGuiggan A major book by American writer Ted Gioia, published last autumn, explores the history of music and many overlooked traditions, and argues that the best music has almost always been subversive. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
A Hero's Disruption A Hero's Disruption Jake Tiernan It has been an exceptional year for the post-punk Dublin band Fontaines D.C., and this week, just over a year after their debut 'Dogrel', they release their much anticipated second album 'A Hero's Death'. Jake Tiernan reviews.
The Punks Next Door The Punks Next Door Andrea Cleary Dublin band Silverbacks have just released their debut album 'Fad'. Andrea Cleary reviews.
A Story of Resilience A Story of Resilience Lucy Hayward O'Leary A recently published book by Alf McCreary on the history of the Ulster Orchestra tells the story of persistence in the face of extraordinary challenges. Lucy Hayward O'Leary reviews.
Up to the Surface Up to the Surface Don O'Mahony Jazz musician Aengus Hackett has just released his debut EP of electronic music under the alias Penji. Don O'Mahony reviews.
The Silencing of An Spidéal – Why Catherine Martin Needs to Set Out a New Vision for the Arts The Silencing of An Spidéal – Why Catherine Martin Needs to Set Out a New Vision for the Arts Toner Quinn The experience of one village in the west of Ireland shows that the new Minister for Arts faces a serious challenge, to change the way we think about culture and its role in our society, writes Toner Quinn.
Exploring Schubert's Year Exploring Schubert's Year Tara Broderick Sharon Carty and Jonathan Ware's new album is a collection of Schubert songs centred around the four seasons. Tara Broderick reviews.

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