Robert Beattie

An intriguing, virtuoso Belfast celebration of the Boulez centenary

by

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Boulez: Anthems and Dialogues: Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble (Aisling Agnew [flute], Sarah Watts [clarinet], Darragh Morgan [violin], David McCann [cello], Daniel Browell [piano]), Xenia Pestova Bennett (magnetic resonator piano), Peter O’Doherty (electronics). Sonic Lab, Queens University, Belfast, 19.10.2025. (RB)

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble’s Boulez: Anthems and Dialogues

Read more

A fine concert performance of Carmen in Dublin

by

IrelandIreland Bizet, Carmen (concert performance): Soloists, Chorus Ireland (chorus director: David Young) and Cór na nÓg (chorus director: Mary Amond O’Brien), National Symphony Orchestra / Jessica Cottis (conductor). National Concert Hall, Dublin, 10.10.2025. (RB)

Soloists, choruses, conductor and the National Symphony Orchestra performing Carmen in Dublin @ Caoimhe O’Carroll

Read more

Northern Ireland Opera brings Sondheim’s Follies to Belfast this month: a preview

by

Robert Beattie previews NIO’s new production of Sondheim’s Follies

[l-r] Allison Harding (Hattie), Christina Nelson (Emily Whitman), Pippa Winslow (Stella), Anna-Jane Casey (Sally), Jaqueline Dankworth (Carlotta), Rachel Stanley (Solange) and Annette McLaughlin (Phyllis) © Neil Harrison Photography/NI Opera

Read more

Four accomplished young singers close the 15th Glenarm Festival of Voice

by

United KingdomUnited Kingdom 15th Glenarm Festival of Voice: Competition Finale: Clare Quinn (soprano), Éadaoin Hassett (soprano), Aimee Kearney (soprano), Jacq Herbots (tenor), Tristan Russcher (piano), Orlaith Sharkey (piano). Church of the Immaculate Conception, Glenarm, Northern Ireland. 24.8.2025. (RB)

[l-r] [l-r] Jacq Herbots, Aimee Kearney, Éadaoin Hassett, Clare Quinn and Orlaith Sharkey © Peter Thompson Photography/NI Opera

Read more