THE University of Limerick was alive with the sound of music yesterday (Friday) as one of the world’s most prolific composers received an honorary doctorate.
Professor Jörg Widmann, composer, clarinettist, and former principal conductor of the Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO), was conferred by UL President Professor Kerstin Mey in a ceremony at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
He received the honour for the “extraordinary contribution” he made during his time as principal conductor of the ICO, which is based at the Irish World Academy in UL.
An acclaimed soloist and conductor, he is one of the world’s most frequently performed living composers.
An initial three-year tenure quickly evolved into a ten-year stay as he catapulted the ICO across Europe and beyond and established himself as a force to be reckoned with at the helm of the orchestra, one of Ireland’s most colourful and diverse ensembles.
He signed off as Principal Conductor of Irish Chamber Orchestra last year.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the inaugural ICO scholarships to two students of the MA in Classical String Performance programme.
The inaugural ICO scholarships were awarded to two students of the MA in Classical String Performance programme – Jeannette Bogado and Anna Mária Miklós.
The honorary doctorate ceremony featured performances by members of the ICO and students of the MA Classical String Performance programme at the Irish World Academy.
