Sean Nós

Precocious as a child, Camille Saint-Saëns was once known as the French Mendelssohn. The remarkably assured First Symphony, completed at the age of 17, was praised by Berlioz and Gounod at its first performance. The elegantly crafted Second Symphony defies convention not least by basing the first movement on a fugue, while the symphonic poem Phaéton skilfully brings this Greek mythological drama to life with stampeding horses, thunderbolts and a moving apotheosis. This is Volume 1 of 3 devoted to the five Saint-Saëns Symphonies.

Few genres carry such a rich and deep history as Celtic music, which reflects centuries of culture of Ireland and the British Isles, as well as their North American inheritors. Music historian, musician, and folklorist Richard Carlin delves into this diverse world of traditional music, compiling a wide spectrum of 23 tracks that contrast the better-known early recordings with some of the best contemporary interpreters. Styles ranging from Sligo fiddle tunes to sean nós singing are represented in this enjoyable introduction to the Celtic music riches of the Smithsonian Folkways archives.

The Gloaming collective carves new paths connecting the rich Irish folk tradition and the New York contemporary music scene. From haunting sean-nós songs to raucous folk explosions, they make music that is both ancient and utterly new. This group of extraordinary virtuoso musicians, each with a highly successful individual career, comes together as a band with a sound all of its own. Featuring New York pianist Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman), Chicago guitarist Dennis Cahill, fiddle master Martin Hayes, hard anger innovator Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh and Irish singer Iarla Ó Lionaird - well known for his contribution to the legendary Afro Celt Sound System and arguably the finest singer of his generation.

From jeliya to cha cha cha, Shandong to sean nos, and the Beatles and beleganjur to Bollywood and belly dance, the second edition of World Music: Traditions and Transformations takes students on an exciting global journey of musical and cultural discovery, exploration, and experience.

SOMM Recordings’ survey of Charles Villiers Stanford’s chamber music continues with his two String Quintets and Three Intermezzi arranged for cello and piano : a unique collaboration between members of the Dante and Endellion Quartets, together with pianist Benjamin Frith, sees first recordings of the String Quintet No. 2 in C minor and the arrangement of the Three Intermezzi.

A thrilling performance of the new Róisín ReImagined concert with singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Irish Chamber Orchestra, featuring celebrated soloists Dónal O’Connor, Mick O’Brien, Aisling Ennis, Cormac McCarthy and Caitríona Frost. Presenting an exciting cross-genre collaboration between traditional singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, musician and producer Dónal O’Connor, Irish Chamber Orchestra, and six Irish composer/arrangers; Cormac McCarthy, Paul Campbell, Linda Buckley, Sam Perkin, Niamh Varian-Barry, and Michael Keeney who have arranged some of Ireland’s most loved Sean Nós songs for Muireann and the ICO.

SOMM Recordings’ survey of Charles Villiers Stanford’s chamber music continues with his two String Quintets and Three Intermezzi arranged for cello and piano : a unique collaboration between members of the Dante and Endellion Quartets, together with pianist Benjamin Frith, sees first recordings of the String Quintet No. 2 in C minor and the arrangement of the Three Intermezzi.

Lossan is a Manx word (the Celtic language spoken on the Isle of Man) that can mean light, glimmer, sheen and flame. It’s also a well-chosen title for the collaborative album between Manx Gaelic singer Ruth Keggin and Scottish Harpist Rachel Hair, for this duo’s debut offering has all those qualities in vibrant abundance.

Musici Ireland, led by violist Beth McNinch, has established itself as a pioneering force in Irish chamber music since its formation in 2012. Known for commissioning and premiering contemporary works, the ensemble is distinguished by its commitment to Irish and female composers, pushing the boundaries of modern chamber music with an interdisciplinary and socially engaged approach.