Opinion & Book Reviews

Does the RTÉ Crisis Imperil Music?
RTÉ is immersed in a crisis that has long-term implications for the broadcaster, but what will the consequences be for music, asks Toner Quinn.
A Summer Without Siamsa – Are We Forgetting About Local Arts Communities?
The board and management of Siamsa Tíre in Tralee have suspended ‘all non-profit-making productions' for the summer season, but what does that mean for the original vision of the theatre and in particular the local arts community, asks Daithí Kearney.
A Traditional Fiddler in the Modern World: Exploring the Music of Paddy Canny
A new book by Helen O’Shea, 'No Better Boy: Listening to Paddy Canny', journeys into the art of the great East Clare fiddle player. Martin Dowling reviews.
‘Listen, listen and listen’: RIP Fiddle Player Seán Keane
A tribute to the Irish fiddle player Seán Keane who died on 7 May.
Seóirse Bodley at 90
The Irish composer Seóirse Bodley is 90 this month and two of his works will be performed at the New Music Dublin festival this week. Adrian Scahill looks back over his music and his innovative work in integrating Irish traditional music into his compositional voice.
Short-term Thinking Won't Deliver Anything But Cuts to British Music
Four months after Arts Council England made cuts to opera companies and orchestras, the BBC is now disbanding its professional choir and promising a 20% cut to its orchestras. Composer Christopher Fox discusses the growing crisis in British music.
An Incomplete Journey Through Chicago's Irish Music Scene
Richie Piggott’s recent book, 'Cry of a People Gone: Irish Musicians in Chicago, 1920–2020', explores the story of Irish music in the Midwest city, documenting important milestones and including numerous biographies as well as hundreds of photos. Martin Dowling reviews.
The Story of a City
The film 'Out of Place', which features Denise Chaila, God Knows, MuRli, Hey Rusty, His Father’s Voice and more, explores the challenge of finding spaces to create and perform in Limerick, during lockdown and after. Drew Stephens reviews.
New Thinking for Sean-nós Singing?
A new collection of essays on sean-nós singing, 'Dhá Leagan Déag: Léargais Nua ar an Sean-Nós', edited by Philip Fogarty, Tiber Falzett and Lillis Ó Laoire and published by Cló Iar-Chonnacht, explores a range of contemporary issues around the art form. Dáibhí Ó Cróinín reviews.
So That They are Not Lost
The Dublin-based Dutch soprano Judith Mok, born to Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, has recently published 'The State of Dark', a book telling the story of her family. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.