Criticism
The Evolution Across a Composer’s Career
Farpoint Recordings have recently released 'Drinking the Stars', an extensive collection of piano music by John McLachlan performed by Mary Dullea. Brendan Finan reviews.
Letting a Classic Speak
Irish National Opera presented Puccini's 'La bohème' at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin on 20–26 November. Adrian Smith reviews.
In the Tradition of Terry Riley
Louth Contemporary Music Society has just released an Irish traditional music version of Terry Riley's classic 1964 minimalist work 'In C', performed by Zoë Conway, Paddy Glackin, Máirtín O’Connor, Michelle Mulcahy, Louise Mulcahy, Mick O’Brien and Dónal Lunny. Adrian Scahill reviews.
A Northern Star: What Ireland Can Learn from Huddersfield
The Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (17–26 November) has a particular focus on music from Ireland this year, as well as works from Lithuania, Rebecca Saunders, Laura Bowler, Angharad Davies and more. Adrian Smith reviews the opening weekend.
Into Another World Where Jazz and Traditional Music Merge
Composer, double bass player and traditional flute player Neil Ó Lochlainn premiered his new work 'Emain Ablach' with a 14-piece ensemble in Galway and Dublin last weekend. Brendan Finan reviews the Smock Alley performance.
Trading Irish and Welsh Tunes
Irish fiddle player Aoife Ní Bhriain and Welsh harpist Catrin Finch have recently released their first album together, 'Double You'. Brendan Finan reviews.
Is This Contemporary Dublin?
John Francis Flynn's second album 'Look over the Wall, See the Sky' was released this month on the River Lea label. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
Never Taking Communication for Granted
'The Body That Breathes', a silent concert experience directed by violinist Jane Hackett and devised with George Higgs and the Dublin Theatre of the Deaf, took place on 1 November at Unit 44 in Dublin. James Camien McGuiggan 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.