Alexander Shelley makes a fine case for Robert Schumann’s Das Paradies und die Peri

IrelandIreland R. Schumann: Das Paradies und die Peri: Soloists, National Symphony Chorus Ireland (chorus director: David Young), National Symphony Orchestra Ireland / Alexander Shelley (conductor). National Concert Hall, Dublin, 13.2.2026. (RB)

Soprano Nardus Williams, conductor Alexander Shelley, National Symphony Chorus and Orchestra © Mark Stedman

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A sparkling, delightful, though small-scale, INO The Bartered Bride full of zest and energy

IrelandIreland Smetana, The Bartered Bride: Soloists, Chorus and Ensemble of Irish National Opera / Richard Peirson (piano, conductor), Garage Theatre, Monaghan, 27.11.2025. (RB)

Amy Ní Fhearraigh (Mařenka), Egor Zhuravskii (Jeník) and John Molloy (Kecal) © Patricio Cassinoni

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An outstanding account of Handel’s Deidamia at Wexford

IrelandIreland Wexford Festival Opera 2025 [3] – Handel, Deidamia: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Wexford Festival Opera / George Petrou (conductor). O’Reilly Theatre, Wexford, 26.10.2925. (RB)

Bruno de Sá (l, Achilles) and Sophie Junker (c, Deidamia) and members of the cast of Deidamia © Pádraig Grant

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