THE Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) presents a vibrant series of concerts this season, each designed to captivate and inspire audiences. Anchored in Limerick, the ICO continues its “Shared Spaces” theme, showcasing extraordinary talent and eclectic repertoire that redefines classical music.
This February, saxophonist Jess Gillam, a BBC Young Musician finalist and youngest-ever soloist at the BBC Proms, brings her boundless energy to UCH on February 8. Experience works by CPE Bach and Nadia Boulanger alongside the rhythmic vitality of David Bowie, David Heath, and John Harle. Gillam’s performances promise joy and a fresh perspective.
In March, violinist Thomas Zehetmair takes the stage at UCH Limerick on March 15 to conduct Beethoven’s inventive Symphony No. 4 and Mendelssohn’s evocative overture The Fair Melusine. Piper Mick O’Brien premieres Áine Mallon’s The Morrígan, a new work inspired by the legendary Celtic goddess, offering a spellbinding fusion of mythology and music.
April brings a spectacular interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Henning Kraggerud, who intersperses his own imaginative compositions.
This innovative concert contrasts Vivaldi’s timeless moods with Kraggerud’s fresh insights and can be experienced at the University Concert Hall on April 11.
UCH Limerick also hosts the ICO on June 19 for Beethoven’s magnificent Piano Concertos No. 2 and No. 4, led by Associate Artist Kristian Bezuidenhout.
Experience the energy of the Second Concerto, composed during Beethoven’s profound deafness, and the lyrical beauty of the Fourth.
As Ireland’s national chamber orchestra, the ICO calls the University of Limerick home, performing locally and across the globe.
Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, the ICO invites audiences to celebrate its artistic legacy in Limerick and beyond.
LISTINGS
February 2025
Irish Chamber Orchestra Jess Gillam Saxophone Katherine Hunka Director
BACH TO BOWIE
Mendelssohn: String Symphony No. 2 in D major MWV N2
C.P.E. Bach: Flute Concerto in A Minor: III. Allegro Assai
Dave Heath: The Celtic
Elaine Agnew: Twilight
Boulanger (arr. Vennart): Cantique
Bowie (arr. Vennart): Life on Mars
John Harle (arr. Perkin): RANT!
Thursday 6 February Town Hall Theatre, Galway, 8.00pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5 (plus €1 booking fee) Tickets www.tht.ie 091 569777.
Friday 7 February The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan, Dublin, 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
Saturday 8 February University Concert Hall, Limerick, 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
March 2025
Irish Chamber Orchestra Thomas Zehetmair Conductor Mick O’Brien Uilleann Pipes
BEETHOVEN 4
Mendelssohn: The Fair Melusine Op. 32
Áine Mallon: The Morrígan (world premiere)
Beethoven: Symphony No.4, Op.60, B-flat major
Thursday 13 March Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin, 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
Friday 14 March Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford, 7.30pm €30, €15
Saturday 15 March University Concert Hall, Limerick, 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
April 2025
Irish Chamber Orchestra Henning Kraggerud Director/Violin
THE FOUR SEASONS
Vivaldi: Concerto No.1 in E major “Spring”
Kraggerud: Victimae Paschali
Vivaldi: Concerto No.2 in G minor “Summer”
Kraggerud: Variation Suite for Violin and Cello
Vivaldi: Concerto No.3 “Autumn”
Kraggerud: Preghiera
Vivaldi: Concerto no.4 “Winter”
Thursday 10 April Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin,7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
Friday 11 April University Concert Hall, Limerick, 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
Saturday 12 April St. Patrick’s Church, Newport, Mayo, 7.30pm Tickets: €25, €20, €10 U/10’s Go free
May 2025
Irish Chamber Orchestra Luail Dance Company
CHORA
9 May Wexford Opera Festival
13 May Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin 7.30pm Tickets: €26.50 – €56.50
18 May Lyric Theatre, Belfast, 6pm Tickets: £15-£20
28 May Cork Opera House, Cork, 8pm Tickets: €30
Irish Chamber Orchestra Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 26 May – 2 June 2025
Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Wednesday 28 May Lismore Castle Tickets on sale Feb. 25
Friday 30 May Lismore Castle Tickets on sale Feb. 25
Saturday 31 May Lismore Castle Tickets on sale Feb. 25
Sunday 1 June Lismore Castle Tickets on sale Feb. 25
Irish Chamber Orchestra Kristian Bezuidenhout Director/Piano
BEETHOVEN PIANO CONCERTOS NOS. 2 & 4
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2 in D major, Op. 36
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60
Thursday 19 June University Concert Hall, Limerick @7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
Friday 20 June Siamsa Tire, Tralee, Kerry @7.30pm Tickets €30, €25, €10, €5
Saturday 21 June Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin @7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
Bookings: www.irishchamberorchestra.com
