The Lyric Feature

A story of music, leadership and resilience on Shackleton's Endurance Expedition.

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Scottish poet Kenneth Steven presents Deirdre of the Sorrows, exploring this ancient tale that continues to inspire writers and musicians today.

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Presented by George Hamilton, this feature follows conductor David Brophy’s progress over his first six months with the WDR Rundfunk orchestra, on his new podium in Cologne. Observing the musical, cultural, and personal challenges this Irish conductor faces as he takes on one of the most prestigious positions in his field in Europe.

Written and produced by Michael O 'Kane

Winner of a Gold at the IMRO Radio Awards 2025,

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This weeks Lyric Feature is -Black Syren, which tells the largely forgotten story of Rachel Baptist, a Black Irish soprano, who predominantly appeared in Irish "pleasure gardens” in the 1750s and 1760s performing arias by Handel and Arne among others.
The feature is presented by journalist Saibh Downes.

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Derry-born composer Seán Doherty is best known for his choral compositions, but in this Lyric Feature, 1001 Gems, he goes back to his roots in Irish traditional music.

A Rockfinch production for RTÉ lyric fm. Supported by Coimisiún na Meán and RTÉ from the television licence fee

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Ireland has white tailed sea eagles as well as golden eagles, both having been recently reintroduced. In this episode Anja Murray and Brían Mac Gloinn travel to Garinish Island in west Cork and also hear from National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Clare Heardman about the nesting and breeding habits of these wonderful birds.

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In this episode ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn visit a busy nesting colony of little terns on the Wicklow coast and talk with ternprogramme conservation manager from BirdWatch Ireland, Brian Bourke, about the lives of these beautiful birds.

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Skylark is a charismatic bird of open ground and the uplands, widely celebrated for their impressive singing ability. In this episode, ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinnbegin with the Skylarks’ fame in poetry, with poet Martin Dyar.

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Lapwings are any of various ground-nesting birds akin to plovers and dotterels. They range from 10 to 16 inches in length, and are noted for their slow, irregular wingbeats in flight and a shrill, wailing cry.

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Jays are colourful, vocal, and highly intelligent woodland birds. In this episode ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn meet ornithologist Seán Ronayne in an autumn woodland to listen to stories these birds’ incredible capacity for mimicr

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