Paradise Deferred: Shelley takes on Schumann’s Paradies und die Peri

Nardus Williams and Alexander Shelley

The National Symphony Chorus and Orchestra Ireland

By Andrew Larkin, 14 February 2026

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“an almost proto-Wagnerian sweep to the music that stressed the theatrical over the spiritual”

Reviewed at National Concert Hall: Main Stage, Dublin on 13 February 2026

Schumann, Das Paradies und die Peri (Paradise and the Peri)

Nardus Williams, Soprano

Robin Tritschler, Tenor

Rihab Chaieb, Mezzo-soprano

Mark Stone, Baritone

Eiméar Harper, Soprano

Emma Power, Mezzo-soprano

National Symphony Chorus Ireland

National Symphony Orchestra Ireland

Alexander Shelley, Conductor

Chopin and Franck reframed with elegance and insight in Dublin

Andrew Larkin, 20th March

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

****1

Sułkowska-Migoń’s Dublin programme crowned by a white-hot Scheherazade

Andrew Larkin, 16th January

Works by Boulanger and Shostakovich pay off handsomely before Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, shaped with dynamic control and visceral energy, crowns a vividly played concert.

****1

Michelle Cann brings out the soul in Price’s Piano Concerto in Dublin

Michael Roddy, 12th December

Florence Price’s concerto brings the Dublin audience to its feet at the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland’s latest concert.

****1

Anja Bihlmaier conducts a powerful NSO programme in Dublin

Andrew Larkin, 5th December

Scintillating Mozart meets soul-searching Bruckner as Anja Bihlmaier and the NSOI deliver a programme of vivid contrasts and compelling musical storytelling.

****1

Anna Rakitina’s night with the National Symphony Orchestra

Andrew Larkin, 17th October

From an Anna Clyne Irish premiere to Tchaikovsky’s brilliance and Shostakovich’s grim wit, the NSO balances virtuosity with thoughtful nuance in Dublin.

****1

María Dueñas wows Dublin with poise, warmth and a touch of drama

Andrew Larkin, 3rd October

Spanish violinist María Dueñas dazzles with poised, luminous Beethoven before the National Symphony Orchestra and Hans Graf tackle turbulent Prokofiev.

****1

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Andrew Larkin

Andrew Larkin is a pianist, composer and teacher from Dublin. Educated at Dublin and at Cambridge, he has performed all around Europe and Mexico. He currently teaches piano and composition in Dublin.

Paradise Deferred: Shelley takes on Schumann’s Das Paradies und die Peri