Why are there not more female conductors? Alice Farnham is looking to tackle this issue through a new programme at the NCH, writes Cathy Desmond

This week the Paradise Papers showed what lengths investors will go to minimise tax bills. 

Des O’Driscoll shares the latest news from the world of entertainment.

Here’s your weekly entertainment guide and news round-up with Des O’Driscoll.

HOW many musicians can you get through the stage door of the National Concert Hall in a single day? 

MAIREAD Buicke, star of the operatic stage and concert platform, reveals that her first ensemble experience was as a member of the Newcastle West Pipe Band. 

1. Picture That

All the latest news from the world of showbiz

All the latest news from the world of music, film and entertainment.

Details of a new festival of music, art, and conversation curated by The National’s Bryce Dessner to mark the 160th anniversary of Cork Opera Houseare set to be announced next week.

All the latest news and events from the worlds of music, comedy and film.

A musician who died along with his partner as he tried to save him from drowning has been remembered as a talented and treasured colleague.

Violinist Aoife will lead her sisters Jenny and Lisa, and father William, in the orchestra at Lismore Music Festival, says Nicki ffrench Davis.

Cork-born soprano Deirdre Moynihan has an enviable CV, and is now releasing her first CD — a selection of Vivaldi cantatas on the classical Naxos label.

ARTISTIC director of the New Ross Piano Festival, pianist Finghin Collins, has put together a bold Russian-themed programme for the festival’s eighth edition. Having secured President Michael D Higgins as the festival patron, and taking place amid celebrations of the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit, it’s an auspicious year for the festival.

Four singers of promise will join Cara O’Sullivan Celine Byrne, and Regina Nathan for concerts this week, says Jo Kerrigan

The adventurer who crossed the Atlantic in a craft made of hide in a re-enactment of the voyage taken by St Brendan will be reunited with his famous boat today.

On winning the Concorso Lirico in 1952, Veronica Dunne vowed to helpyoung singers in their careers, says Jo Kerrigan

As a child, I had a very mature singing voice, but I thought everybody sang like me.

The chamber music group will perform with the singer tomorrow as part of Triskel Christchurch’s Christmas programme, says Colette Sheridan

PUPILS from one of Cork’s most famous schools are set for the royal performance of a lifetime.

THERE are fears the smallest of the RTÉ-funded performing groups – and the only one based outside Dublin – could be axed as part of a cost-cutting drive.

RTÉ set out its summer stall yesterday with the promise of hundreds of hours of home-produced programming to balance a hectic diet of World Cup soccer and GAA.

THE sound of music took on a new dimension in West Cork yesterday as hundreds of senior second-level students had an opportunity to play alongside the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra.