Focus

A Cello's Song at the Centre A Cello's Song at the Centre Toner Quinn Kilkenny Arts Festival presented the Irish premiere of Ed Bennett's 'Song of the Books' last week, performed by Kate Ellis and Crash Ensemble. Toner Quinn reviews.
The Freedom of Feakle The Freedom of Feakle James Camien McGuiggan The Feakle Festival in County Clare featured a range of traditional music acts, from the Martin Hayes Quartet to Cormac Begley and Steve Cooney. James Camien McGuiggan reviews two of the weekend concerts.
For the Cause of Classical Music For the Cause of Classical Music Hazel Farrell A new biography of Olive Smith, written by her daughter, the musician Gillian Smith, provides an insight into the progressive changes in classical music in Ireland in the twentieth century, writes Hazel Farrell.
The Ritual of Daily Tunes The Ritual of Daily Tunes Brendan Finan Lau fiddle-player Aidan O'Rourke has just released his fifth solo album, twenty-five tune compositions in response to the stories of James Robertson, accompanied by jazz pianist Kit Downes. Brendan Finan reviews.
‘I wanted them all to be a contribution to the Scottish traditional music canon’: An interview with fiddle-player Aidan O’Rourke ‘I wanted them all to be a contribution to the Scottish traditional music canon’: An interview with fiddle-player Aidan O’Rourke Scottish fiddle-player Aidan O’Rourke, a member of the groundbreaking band Lau, has just released his fifth solo album, '365: Volume 2', part of a huge volume of compositions written in response to stories by James Robertson. O’Rourke spoke to the Journal of Music about his music and composing and how his latest project is about ‘coming back to traditional music’.
Fired in the Crucible of Dance Fired in the Crucible of Dance Adrian Scahill Raelach Records' latest release, 'Dúchas', is from Clare button accordionist Damien O’Reilly. Adrian Scahill reviews.
Ireland Needs to Celebrate the Work of Jennifer Walshe Ireland Needs to Celebrate the Work of Jennifer Walshe Toner Quinn The achievements of Ireland's composers abroad are not getting enough attention at home.
Narrow Focus on a Repellent Worldview Narrow Focus on a Repellent Worldview Toner Quinn Irish National Opera gave the world premiere of 'Least Like the Other: Searching for Rosemary Kennedy' in Galway this week, a work by composer Brian Irvine and director Netia Jones that tells the story of JFK's sister. Toner Quinn reviews.
Still Feeding Folk's Roots Still Feeding Folk's Roots Shannon McNamee Now in its eightieth year, Topic has just released a double-album of artists singing classic songs previously released on the label. Shannon McNamee reviews.
Shining a New Light Shining a New Light Toner Quinn Luminosa string orchestra recently held its inaugural concerts in Galway, the first focussing on work by female composers and the second on the theme of landscape and music. Toner Quinn reviews.

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