Category: Music

Extravagence prevails at NCH’s international series finalé

Pat O’Kelly   The last programme in the National Concert Hall’s 2018/19 International Series brought a welcome return to Earlsfort Terrace of the London Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of its Milan-born principal guest conductor Gianandrea Noseda, the concert was almost extravagant in its soloists – French violist Antoine Tamestit, Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov and…

Eagerly-awaited visit by London Symphony Orchestra

Pat O’Kelly   The final programme in the NCH’s 2018/19 International Concert Series on June 14 brings the welcome return of the London Symphony Orchestra. Under Italian maestro Gianandrea Noseda, the concert features music by Beethoven, Shostakovich and Berlioz. Russian Daniil Trifonov is the soloist in Shostakovich’s 1st Piano Concerto with UK trumpeter Philip Cobb…

Russborough House back in the musical spotlight

Pat O’Kelly   Built between 1741 and 1755, Russborough House near Blessington is a fine example of Palladian architecture. The renowned Richard Cassels designed it for the brewer and property developer Joseph Leeson, who was created Earl of Milltown in 1763. Dublin’s Leeson Street is named after him. In 1952 Russborough became the home of…

Performances no less excellent despite being novelties

Pat O’Kelly   Three recent events engage an element of novelty. Two involve the RTÉ NSO at the NCH with the third, at nearby St Finian’s Lutheran Church, as part of a Music Network nationwide tour. On their seven-venue stop, German cellist Raphaela Gromes and pianist Julian Riem choose a programme with a strong Italian…

Mouth-watering treats line up with the stars of music

Pat O’Kelly   ‘Treat’, meaning something that gives great pleasure, seems to be out of fashion but I am reminded of it recently in three programmes at the National Concert Hall, which I consider merit the accolade. The first comes from the period-instrument Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) conducted by Budapest-born pianist András…

New Music Dublin lives up to its ecclectic promise

Pat O’Kelly   New Music Dublin, cancelled in 2018 due to weather, then partially salvaged last September resurrected itself at the beginning of this month for an action-packed weekend. However, one would require exceptional stamina to cover the broad spectrum of its endeavours. As festival director John Harris commented, “the range of music being performed…