Performer: National Symphony Orchestra Ireland

Peter Whelan drew rare urgency and transparency from Brahms, while Carlos Ferreira’s lyrical finesse elevated Weber beyond expectation.

In Dublin, Jean-Luc Tingaud and Louis Lortie bring clarity and purpose to two composers often ill at ease with the orchestra.

Alexander Shelley tackles Schumann’s sprawling Das Paradies und die Peri with conviction, shaping real momentum and drama, even if balance issues and Thomas Moore’s cloying libretto sometimes distract.

An introduction to the latest iteration of Dublin’s foremost contemporary music festival, the first overseen by artistic director John Harris.