Something for the Weekend: Robert Ames' cultural picks

Robert Ames is a conductor and composer known for his work on Oscar-nominated movies like TÁR (2022) All Quiet On The Western Front (2022) and Phantom Thread (2017).

Co-founder of the London Contemporary Orchestra and an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, Robert has worked closely with acclaimed composers like Hildur Gudnadottir, Volker Bertelmann, Jonny Greenwood and Steven Price.

As a conductor, he is known for his interpretations of American minimalists John Luther Adams, Philip Glass, John Adams and Steve Reich, as well as collaborative work with artists such as Frank Ocean, Taylor Swift, Celeste and Sigur Ros.

On Sunday January 19th, Robert conducts the National Symphony Orchestra for a live performance of Bryce Dessner's score (alongside a screening) of Oscar-tipped film Sing Sing in the National Concert Hall.

FILM

Sing Sing. An incredibly deep film about a prison arts program—brilliant performances, and it leaves you thinking long after. Bryce Dessner's score is so excellent, a masterclass in moving minimalism!

MUSIC

Vulture Prince by Arooj Aftab blends South Asian classical traditions with ambient minimalism. Arooj’s haunting voice anchors each track, weaving grief and beauty into an evocative, timeless atmosphere. Quiet, powerful, unforgettable.

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BOOK

World Light by Halldór Laxness is a proper epic about an Icelandic poet trying to find beauty in a tough world. Laxness writes with so much heart - it’s unforgettable.

THEATRE

Prima Facie by Australian playwright Suzie Miller is a one-woman show that hits hard, tackling justice and power in such a raw way. It’s one of those plays that really stays with you.

TV

What We Do in the Shadows is just hilarious and ridiculous, so sharp and clever - one of the funniest things on TV right now.

GIG

Galya Bisengalieva’s live set is something else. The way she brings experimental and classical together is genuine and stunning, with extremely interesting and well thought out visuals.

ART

I went to a Tove Jansson exhibition in the Helsinki Art Museum recently - so much more than just the Moomins! Her paintings and illustrations are beautiful and full of life.

TECH

I’m completely hooked on Retro Bowl. It’s a simple, retro-style football game, but it’s so addictive and satisfying to play.

THE NEXT BIG THING...

Chocolate Liquorice from Iceland. This stuff is unreal. Chocolate and liquorice shouldn’t work, but somehow it does—might be my new favorite snack.

Robert Ames conducts the National Symphony Orchestra for a live performance of Bryce Dessner's score (alongside a screening) of Sing Sing at the National Concert Hall, Dublin on Sunday January 19th - find out more here.