Ireland Rachmaninov, Shostakovich: Lise de la Salle (piano), National Symphony Orchestra / Diego Maltheuz (conductor). National Concert Hall, Dublin, 17.1.2025. (RB)
NSO’s memorable Shostakovich Seventh Symphony performance in Dublin
Robert Beattie
Intriguing programme of contemporary works performed with flair by Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
United Kingdom Distant Plains: Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble (Aisling Agnew [flute], Sarah Watts [clarinet], David McCann [cello], Daniel Browell [piano], Michael Trainor [violin] / Matthew Lynch [conductor]. Harty Room, Queen’s University, Belfast, 13.12.2024. (RB)
Outstanding Wexford Festival Opera revival of a ‘let’s put on an opera’ Donizetti rarity
Ireland Wexford Festival Opera 2024 [3] – Donizetti, Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Wexford Festival Opera / Danila Grassi (conductor). O’Reilly Theatre, Wexford, 25.10.2024. (RB)
Wexford Festival Opera makes a strong case for Stanford’s The Critic
Ireland Wexford Festival Opera 2024 [2] – Stanford, The Critic: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Wexford National Opera / Ciarán McAuley (conductor), O’Reilly Theatre Wexford, 24.10.2024. (RB)
Fine Wexford Festival Opera cast for Mascagni’s Le maschere, but the opera itself is unconvincing
Ireland Wexford Opera Festival 2024 [1] – Mascagni, Le maschere: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Wexford Festival Opera / Francesco Cilluffo (conductor). O’Reilly Theatre, Wexford, 23.10.2024 (RB)
Sestina Music convey the intense spirituality of music by Charpentier and de Brossard in Belfast
United Kingdom Sestina Music’s Lux et Umbra – Charpentier, Sébastien de Brossard: Sestina Music (Mark Chambers [musical director / countertenor], Sarah Keating, Áine Smith [sopranos], Laoise O’Brien, Elisabeth Vogel [recorders], Sarah Groser [viols], Tristan Russcher [keyboards]). Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast, 19.9.2024. (RB)
Eugene Onegin is another triumph for Northern Ireland Opera
United Kingdom Tchaikovsky, Eugene Onegin: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Northern Ireland Opera / Dominic Limburg (conductor). Grand Opera House, Belfast, 17.9.2024. (RB)
A delightful, varied concert from Camerata Ireland and Barry Douglas
United Kingdom Mozart, Sibelius, Greg Caffrey, Mendelssohn: Aisling Agnew (flute), Camerata Ireland / Barry Douglas (conductor/piano). Clandeboye Estate, Northern Ireland, 23.8.2024. (RB)
