THE Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in Dublin, Waterford, and Limerick from 13–15 March, under the dynamic direction of Thomas Zehetmair. With its bright, uplifting character and remarkable originality, Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony is brought to life by the ICO, delivering a masterful balance of lightness, weight, and sheer power. A particular highlight of the performance is the exhilarating final movement, where the wind section shines, revealing the full breadth of Beethoven’s genius.
Renowned for pushing musical boundaries, the ICO continues to champion new commissions from both Irish and international composers. Audiences will experience the world premiere of The Mórrígan, a captivating new work by Áine Mallon, an award-winning composer from Armagh. Mallon’s music explores the deep human experience of storytelling, with The Mórrígan drawing inspiration from ancient Celtic mythology, focusing on the enigmatic warrior queen who holds dominion over fate and power.
Reflecting on her research into The Mórrígan, Mallon comments: “I became fascinated by the persistence of her worship in contemporary practice. I wondered why people today revere such a seemingly ruthless deity. The answer, much like the Goddess herself, is layered and complex. At its heart, I believe it reflects the human desire to discover and cultivate power within oneself.” The piece features renowned Uilleann piper Mick O’Brien, whose extraordinary artistry adds richness and vibrancy to this bold new work.
In a continued exploration of mythology, the ICO also performs Mendelssohn’s The Fair Melusine, an evocative work inspired by medieval French folklore. The piece tells the tale of a compelling female figure caught between love and transformation, conflict and legend.
From Beethoven’s timeless masterpiece to a world of myth and mystery, the ICO weaves together past and present, offering audiences another extraordinary musical experience.
Performances take place at the Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford, and University Concert Hall, Limerick, from 13–15 March.
Irish Chamber Orchestra perform at University Concert Hall on Saturday March 15 at 7.30pm
For tickets and further details, visit www.irishchamberorchestra.com.
