Rhythm Nation Robocobra Quartet reveal their musical inspirationsRyan Burrowes and Chris W Ryan of the Belfast post-punk collective have a new album out and sat down to discuss the music that shaped their creative path
Classical Notes New stars shine for Veronica Dunne at Killruddery operaA year after her passing, the spirit of one of Irish music’s greatest forces of nature is being kept alive by the Veronica Dunne Festival of Opera in Killruddery House in Bray
Music Dick O’Riordan: INO’s first youth opera talks to the animalsThe world premiere of Horse Ape Bird, the INO’s first ever youth opera, will be performed this week at Solstice Arts Centre in Navan and St Patrick’s College in Maynooth
Music Rhythm Nation: Daragh Lynch on his musical influences from Planxty to NirvanaDaragh Lynch of folk band Lankum has built up an eclectic list of collaborators over the years and will perform a gig with Scottish singer and multi-instrumentalist Iona Zajac at the National Concert Hall on June 16
Music Dick O’Riordan’s classical notes: Sweden’s ‘queen of cool’ makes her Dublin debut Mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter will join the National Symphony Orchestra for an evening of songs on May 27
Music Tony Clayton Lea on music: Van’s difficult 43rd album is a disappointing affair The veteran troubadour is very much in his comfort zone on the distinctly underwhelming What’s It Gonna Take?
Tony Clayton-Lea on music: Arcade Fire are back with their best album in over a decadeThe Canadian electro/rock band have made a forceful return with an album of strong songs that are not afraid to reveal their influences
Dick O’Riordan’s classical notes: Galway promises that Cellissimo will be magnificoMusic For Galway and its director Anna Lardi Fogarty are gearing up for a special night with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on May 11
Rhythm Nation: Tim Edey on his musical inspirations from Capercaillie to Sharon ShannonThe folk star, who is performing as part of a Music Network tour of Ireland until May 13, talks about the songs that have had the greatest influence on him over the years
Taste Maker: Musician and author, Mike Hanrahan on his mother’s bacon and cabbage, a memorable night out at Italia 90 and why Monday is the best dayThe singer-songwriter has trained and worked as a teacher at Ballymaloe Cookery School
Tony Clayton-Lea on music: Soft Cell give a lesson in old-school electro-popThe synth-pop duo stick to what they are known and loved for and produce a satisfying record with show-stopping ballads and memorable tunes
Dick O’Riordan’s classical notes: The sound of music returns to West WicklowThe West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival returns this year and will take place in the magnificent surrounds of Russborough House and St Mary’s Church from May 18-22
Sigrid interview: ‘You just get on the train because you don’t know how long the journey is going to last’The Norwegian singer/songwriter’s warp-speed career has packed a lot of action into a short space of time, but she’s taking everything in her stride
Dick O’Riordan’s Classical Notes: The masks are off as Cork returns to choral gloryThe Cork International Choral Festival will make a welcome return to the streets and stages of Cork city and county over the May bank holiday weekend
Album reviews: Fontaines DC are back with a noisy bangThe spiky Dublin four-piece have no shortage of memorable bangers on their third album in as many years
Rhythm Nation: Emmitt Cawley on why his influences include Drake, Tori Amos and Bill WithersThe South African-born dancer will appear with NDT 2 at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre next month
Singer Carol Keogh: ‘There are a few little pockets in the world where there is still a real connection with our wild roots. I think we get a bit sick when we’re disconnected from that’A move away from the city to Wexford led to a new creative voice for Dublin singer Carol Keogh, who has just released one of the Irish albums of the year
Dick O’Riordan’s Classical Notes: Irish National Opera’s Olivier award puts it on the international mapThe achievement of the INO and the Irish Baroque Orchestra’s in bringing to vivid life Vivaldi’s little-known opera Bajazet is remarkable
Rhythm Nation: Electronica act Dirty Dreamer on why they are inspired by The Bonk and Nine Inch NailsDirty Dreamer, an ambient electronica act with a passion for live performance, play the Workman's Club, Dublin on June 2
Tony Clayton-Lea on albums: Isolation leads to inspiration for SpiritualisedThe psychedelic rock band has produced a mix of drenched-in-psychedelia guitars and supreme pop melodies influenced by stars such as Pink Floyd and Phil Spector