Ireland Britten, Mahler: Baiba Skride (violin), National Symphony Orchestra Ireland /Jonas Alber (conductor). National Concert Hall, Dublin, 29.5.2026. (RB)
An all-encompassing account of Mahler’s Fifth in Dublin
Robert Beattie
Two splendid sopranos overcome an unconvincing post-apocalyptic setting for Norma
Ireland Bellini, Norma: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Irish National Opera / Maurizio Benini (conductor). Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, 24.5.2026. (RB)
Intensely moving performance of Puccini’s timeless La bohème from Diva Opera and NIO
United Kingdom Puccini, La bohème: Soloists, Northern Ireland Opera Chorus / Bryan Evans (music director and piano). Carlisle Memorial Church, Belfast, 16.5.2026. (RB)
Cameron Menzies, Anne Marabini Young and Mary McCabe discuss NIO and Diva Opera’s new La bohème
Robert Beattie learns about the exciting collaboration between Northern Ireland Opera and Diva Opera
Northern Ireland Opera and Diva Opera have joined forces and will jointly present a new production of Puccini’s La bohème in Belfast later this month. I spoke to the respective directors of both companies, Cameron Menzies and Anne Marabini Young about this production. I also spoke to soprano Mary McCabe about the vocal and dramatic challenges of singing Mimì in the production.
Fine playing from Peter Whelan and the NSOI and Carlos Ferreira is clearly a rising star
Ireland Brahms, Weber: Carlos Ferreira (clarinet), National Symphony Orchestra Ireland / Peter Whelan (conductor). National Concert Hall, Dublin, 24.4.2026. (RB)
A fine, committed account of Dvořák’s Stabat Mater in Dublin
Ireland Dvořák: Ailish Tynan (soprano), Niamh O’Sullivan (mezzo-soprano), Valentyn Dytiuk (tenor), Ashley Riches (bass), National Symphony Chorus Ireland (chorus director: David Young), National Symphony Orchestra / Jiří Rožeň (conductor). National Concert Hall, Dublin, 3.4.2026. (RB)
In Dublin, an excellent cast brings to life a provocative and insightful production of Rusalka
Ireland Dvořák, Rusalka: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Irish National Opera / Fergus Sheil (conductor). Board Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, 22.3.2026. (RB)
Dublin hears a superb Rachmaninov performance from Jaeden Izik-Dzurko
Ireland Adams, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky: Jaeden Izik-Dzurko (piano), National Symphony Orchestra Ireland / Alexander Shelley (conductor). National Concert Hall, Dublin, 13.3.2026. (RB)
