September - June Cork Cork Ennis Ennis Tralee Dublin Thurles Limerick Waterford

2018 2019

SEPTEMBER - JUNE CORK CORK ENNIS ENNIS TRALEE DUBLIN THURLES LIMERICK WATERFORD

www.irishchamberorchestra.com Culture Ireland promotes Irish arts worldwide, creating and supporting opportunities for Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues.

Culture Ireland supports the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s international touring. www.cultureireland.ie

Jörg Widmann conducting the Irish Chamber Orchestra in Essen, February 2018 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

In 2018/2019 the Irish Chamber Orchestra takes us on another exciting journey, re-creating old favourites, pushing out the boundaries, and exploring fresh, new music to present you with an unforgettable experience. We will introduce you to some extraordinary soloists who mould and shape our rich and varied scope of activity.

We have an incredible synergy with the multi-talented composer and clarinettist Jörg Widmann (our Principal Conductor/Artistic Partner), his music and his mission. Our upcoming season celebrates great repertoire – from the first to the last concert, we span no less than four centuries of music, and we invite you to come and explore this with us.

Over the coming season, the ICO collaborates with some of the world’s finest international soloists. We look forward to the return of flamboyant conductor, Jean-Christophe Spinosi who delves into the heart of Beethoven’s C Symphonies – his First and Fifth. From the concert hall to the sports stadium, come and see the ICO in a new guise, performing classic hits with some of Ireland’s finest rock bands at one of the country’s iconic music festivals Feile -The Trip to Tipp. We joins forces once more with Chamber Choir Ireland for the Irish premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s Stabat Mater, as part of NEW MUSIC DUBLIN 2018 supported by NCH, RTÉ and The Arts Council.

The mesmeric Thomas Zehetmair returns to direct from the violin, performing Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3. We also look forward to a mammoth collaboration with Chamber Choir Ireland for Mendelssohn’s jewel in the crown: his iconic Lobgesang – bringing Widmann’s extraordinary journey with Mendelssohn to a climactic conclusion. The cream of Irish and international soloists feature, including sopranos Genia Kühmeier, Anna Devin and tenor Colin Balzer. As always, we champion young Irish composers and musicians. Sam Perkin presents another ICO commission, while jazz flautist Michael Buckley tours with the ICO performing a recent concerto, Pipe Dreams by Ronan Guillfoyle; followed by another commission by rising star Sebastian Adams. Our December programme showcases the talents of Irish mezzo soprano Sharon Carty.

Our international profile continues to flourish. In June 2019, the orchestra will tour South America with Jörg Widmann, with a further tour planned to the U.S. There have been glowing reviews of the ICO’s latest CD, our third recording of Mendelssohn’s Symphonies on the Orfeo label.

Our Community Engagement programme really reflects who we are, as we venture beyond the concert hall with a variety of work at the University of Limerick, in schools, hospitals and many other community settings. Our Sing Out With Strings programme clearly demonstrates our innovation, our pride and creativity, as we continue to change lives through music. The ICO creates extraordinary musical experiences that empower individuals through collaboration with a deep-rooted passion for artistic excellence.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra, resident at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, has its own studio on campus at the University of Limerick and is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Additional support from Culture Ireland contributes significantly towards the ICO’s international touring initiatives. I would like to acknowledge the unfailing support of all our Patrons and Friends for their continuing loyalty and support of the greater ICO family.

GERARD KEENAN Chief Executive Officer IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA www.irishchamberorchestra.com The Irish Chamber Orchestra is Ireland’s most dynamic ensemble. Mixing traditional repertoire with new commissions and collaborating with everyone from DJs to dance companies, the ICO pushes the boundaries of what a chamber orchestra

can do. These days, you’re as likely to find us at the Electric Picnic as Mozartfest, but wherever we perform, /IRISHCHAMBERORCHESTRA the ICO delivers world-class concerts feted for their energy

and style.

IRISHCHAMBERORCHESTRA Each year,@ICORCHESTRA Ireland’s busiest ensemble presents concert seasons in both

Limerick and Dublin, embarks on two national tours, and makes a series of prestigious international appearancesWWW.IRISHCHAMBERORCHESTRA.COM supported by Culture Ireland. Our Artistic Committee works closely with our Artistic Partners to devise exciting, diverse and innovative programmes, mixing standard repertoire with new work – often specially commissioned – from the best young Irish composers. This versatile approach enables us to appeal to music fans of every stripe while upholding the highest artistic standards.

The driving force behind our recent success is our Principal Conductor/Artistic Partner Jörg Widmann, a composer, conductor and clarinettist whose irrepressible energy and pursuit of excellence has enabled the ICO to expand its horizons, attracting outstanding international performers such as Tabea Zimmermann, Igor Levit and James Galway. The last five years have seen ICO perform at leading concert halls and festivals across Europe and release a series of acclaimed recordings on the prestigious Orfeo label. The ICO recently completed a three- year residency at Heidelberger Frühling and is currently orchestra-in-residence at Kilkenny Arts Festival.

57609 CUBE PKT Folder FIN.indd 1 25/08/2016 10:08 Widmann’s enthusiasm and commitment is matched by the orchestra itself, led by the ebullient Katherine Hunka and comprised of 22 outstanding musicians. The ICO’s special rapport, forged over 20 years of playing – and sometimes singing! – together, creates the unique sound that has captivated audiences all over the world.

The orchestra enjoys outstanding support. The enthusiasm and forward thinking of CEO Gerard Keenan has been instrumental in realising some of the ICO’s most exhilarating collaborations, while the board, chaired by Aibhlín McCann, comprises members whose diverse professional expertise is matched by their determination to realise the orchestra’s vision.

At the heart of this vision is the belief that music is for everyone. That’s why the ICO has implemented an ambitious and far-reaching strategy that aims to take music out of the concert hall and into the local community, inspiring children to try music for themselves, and supporting them on their journey from first lesson to public performance.

Our groundbreaking initiative, Sing Out with Strings (SOWS), offers primary school children in Limerick the chance to learn music for free. Now in its eleventh year, the project has been hailed as a model of social inclusion, offering opportunities for young people, developing key life skills and providing tangible long-term benefits for participants, their families and the wider community.

The success of SOWS has inspired us to set up a youth orchestra, the ICOYO, which provides aspiring musicians aged 12 to 18 with the support they need to grow. And it doesn’t stop there: the orchestra has made its home at the University of Limerick for over 20 years, and we’re deeply involved in the MA in Classical String Performance, supporting young talent through workshops and masterclasses.

The ICO is orchestra-in-residence at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, and is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

For details of the ICO’s current season, click HERE.

www.irishchamberorchestra.com Violin Board of Directors/Executive Katherine Hunka Concertmaster Aibhlín McCrann (Chair) Nicola Sweeney Principal 1st violin Frank Casey (Hon. Life President) André Swanepoel Principal 2nd violin Rosemary Collier Anna Cashell Eamonn Cregan Diane Daly Joseph Dundon Oonagh Keogh Joan Garahy Emily Nenniger Karen Morton Kenneth Rice Gearóid Stanley Louis Roden Cliodhna Ryan Chief Executive Gerard Keenan Viola Joachim Roewer Principal Friends/Finance Cian Ó Dúill Margaret Kelly Mark Coates Smith Robin Panter Marketing & Communications Manager Charlotte Eglington Cello Christian Elliott Principal Operations Manager Richard Angell Cathriona Murphy Aoife Nic Athlaoich Education & Outreach Officer Double Bass Kathrine Barnecutt Malachy Robinson Principal Artistic Advisor Oboe Sonja Stein, Sonja Stein Company Daniel Bates Principal Matthew Draper

Horn James Palmer Principal “There is a taut vivacity to the playing of this Stephen Nicholls orchestra that’s easily traced to the geniality of the group”

The Irish Independent KATHERINE HUNKA Director/Violin

Born in London, Katherine Hunka began playing the violin at the age of four. Whilst growing up under the guidance of teacher Sheila Nelson, she performed chamber music at London’s South Bank and the Royal Albert hall, was soloist with the City of London Sinfonia and led the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Katherine was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music where she spent five years studying with Gyorgy Pauk, and then furthered her studies in the USA at Indiana University where she also acted as teaching assistant to her professor, Mauricio Fuks. This instilled in her a great love of teaching. She has since returned to Indiana as a guest Professor and been made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music.

Katherine is Leader of the Irish Chamber Orchestra since 2002 and regularly directs from the leader’s chair. As director and soloist, with the ICO, she has toured Germany, China and Singapore, appeared at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, and more recently, at the Kilkenny Arts Festival. This summer in Kilkenny, she will be co-directing late Beethoven quartets, arranged for string orchestra, with ICO principal cellist, Christian Elliott.

Katherine directs ICO national tours, which take the orchestra all over Ireland. Last year, Katherine released her first solo CD recording with the ICO of Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenes Aires. As part of her role with the ICO, Katherine collaborates with contemporary composers. She has directed premieres with Irish composers including Sam Perkin, Ian Wilson, Raymond Dean, Elaine Agnew, Linda Buckley, and John Kinsella. As leader, she has also enjoyed performing solo concertos and chamber music with Jörg Widmann, Pekka Kuusisto, Anthony Marwood and Nigel Kennedy amongst others. Katherine performs regularly, as a chamber musician and soloist, at festivals throughout Ireland and the UK. At the Aldeburgh Festival she premiered Benjamin Britten’s rediscovered Double Concerto. This year sees her at the Sligo International Chamber Music Festival, the Killaloe Chamber Music Festival and performing much of Brahms’ chamber music in the Kilkenny Arts Festival. She is a regular guest to concert venues across Ireland. Last Autumn, she toured Ireland with pianist Finghin Collins playing duo recitals. Her trio, Far Flung with accordionist Dermot Dunne and bassist Malachy Robinson delights audiences with its light-hearted approach, their repertoire spans from Bach to Klezmer with anything in between. In 2017, Katherine toured with other leaders of Irish Orchestras; Mia Cooper, Helena Wood and Ioana Petcu. The success of this tour has resulted in another run of concerts later this year, this time in Northern Ireland.

Katherine has been a guest leader with the Manchester Camerata, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra as well as guest soloist with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra.

She is currently a Professor at the CIT Cork School of Music and the Irish World Academy of Music. She plays a Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin and her bows are by Irish maker Gary Leahy. JÖRG WIDMANN

Principal Conductor/Artistic Partner Clarinetist, composer and conductor Jörg Widmann is one of the most versatile and intriguing artists of his generation. The 2018/19 season sees him appear as soloist with orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra Taiwan with Shao Chia Lu, the NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover with Andrew Manze, the Kammerorchester Basel with Heinz Holliger and the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunk with Susanna Mälkki.

Jörg Widmann is artist in Residence at the National Symphony Orchestra Taiwan, featuring as clarinetist in a performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, as well as conductor in a play direct program and composer and lecturer. Further residencies include the Orchestre de Paris, where his works feature in various concerts.

Chamber music performances in the 2018/19 season include concerts with the Hagen Quartet with performances in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, New York’s Carnegie Hall, Freiburg and Baltimore and trio recitals with Tabea Zimmermann and Dénes Várjon in Munich and Budapest. In February, he will give the premiere of Peter Eötvös Joyce, commissioned by the CNDM and written for Jörg Widmann.

Continuing his intense activities as a conductor, Jörg Widmann performs this season with the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, Boulez-Ensemble Berlin, Kammerakademie Potsdam and he will be on tour through Germany with the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie. As their principal conductor he will lead the Irish Chamber Orchestra in concerts in Ireland, Europe and will embark on tour to South America with concerts in Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

In August 2018 Jörg Widmann conducted the premiere of his second Violin Concerto, performed by Carolin Widmann with the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra. This season sees performances of this piece will take place with the Orchestre de Paris, The hr-Sinfonieorchester and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

Widmann studied clarinet with Gerd Starke in Munich and Charles Neidich at the Juilliard School in New York. He performs regularly with renowned orchestras, such as Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Orchestra National de France, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, National Symphony Orchestra, Washington, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He collaborates with conductors such as Daniel Barenboim, Christoph Eschenbach and Christoph von Dohnányi.

Widmann gave the world premiere of Mark Andre’s Clarinet Concerto über at the Donauerschinger Musiktage 2015. Other clarinet concerti dedicated to and written for him include Wolfgang Rihm’s Musik für Klarinette und Orchester (1999) and Aribert Reimann’s Cantus (2006).

Widmann studied composition with Kay Westermann, Wilfried Hiller and Wolfgang Rihm. His works continue to receive many awards such as the prestigious Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Elise L. Stoeger Prize (2009), the Paul Hindemith Prize in 2001, the Arnold Schönberg Prize by the Vienna Arnold Schönberg Centre and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (2004) and both the SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg’s composition award and the Berliner Philharmoniker Academy’s Claudio Abbado Composition Award in 2006.

Widmann’s compositions are performed regularly by conductors such as Daniel Barenboim, Daniel Harding, Valery Gergiev, Kent Nagano, Christian Thielemann, Mariss Jansons, Andris Nelsons and Simon Rattle and have been premiered by orchestras such as the Wiener and Berliner Philharmoniker, New York Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, BBC Symphony and many others.

Widmann’s appointment as Daniel R. Lewis Young Composer Fellow at the Cleveland Orchestra established an extraordinary artistic collaboration with the Orchestra and its Principal Conductor Franz Welser-Möst including the world premiere of Widmann’s Flute Concerto, Flûte en suite in May 2011 followed by its European premiere in 2012/13 by the Berliner Philharmoniker and Emmanuel Pahud under Simon Rattle. Cleveland Orchestra featured Flûte en suite as centrepiece in their 2014 European tour, and dedicated an entire evening to Widmann’s works at the Berlin Philharmonie. His opera Babylon was premiered in 2012/13 at Bayerische Staatsoper under the baton of Kent Nagano.

Am Anfang, by Anselm Kiefer and Jörg Widmann, was premiered in July 2009 as part of the 20th anniversary of the Opéra Bastille, in which Widmann acted as composer, clarinetist and made his debut as conductor.

Widmann was Artist in Residence at leading Festivals and Orchestras such as Lucerne Festival and Salzburger Festspiele, Bamberger Symphoniker, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich’s creative chair 2015/16, and both BOZAR and Elbphilarmonie’s artist in residence in its opening season. He was featured in Artist Portraits at Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Frankfurt’s Alte Oper, Cologne’s Philharmonie and New York’s Carnegie Hall, where his music was presented during an entire season under the motto “Making Music: Jörg Widmann”. In the 2017/18 season he was featured as the first ever Gewandhaus Composer in Leipzig’s history.

Widmann is a Fellow at the Wissenschaftskollegs in Berlin and a full member of the Bayerischen Akademie of Schönen Künste, and since 2007, the Freien Akademie der Künste Hamburg, the Deutschen Akademie der Darstellenden Künste and the Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Literatur Mainz. He is professor for composition at the Barenboim-Said Academy, Berlin. HOME Spinosi 13 | 14 September Sam – renowned charms from

Spinosi

Overture Jean-Christophe two symphonies in the key of C. His meteoric The Barber of Seville (The Barber of Seville)

The ICO has commissioned a new encore by The ICO has commissioned a new encore €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children Friday 14 September University Concert Hall, Limerick @ 8pm in association with 061 331549 www.uch.ie Beethoven’s is emotionally thrilling and uplifting, due to its raw power and theis emotionally thrilling and uplifting, due to Il Barbiere di Siviglia Fifth Conductor

No other body of work enjoys more universal respect and popularity thanNo other body of work enjoys more universal New Work Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21 Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 Overture to nine symphonies. We feature nine symphonies. This rousing work highlights the individual personality This rousing work highlights the individual of each orchestra member, and his/ is synonymous with sparkling overtures and is synonymous with sparkling overtures and .

, brims with originality, full of rich melodies that reflected popular Viennese musical life at the, brims with originality, full of rich melodies taking audiences on emotionally explosive journeys. taking audiences on emotionally explosive

dance and whirl in front of his players, rather than simply conduct them.” The Guardian “With an exceptional ability to communicate the joy he takes in making music, Spinosi seems to“With an exceptional ability to communicate the joy he takes in making music, Spinosi €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin @ 8pm www.irishchamberorchestra.com Thursday 13 September time. His immensely popular over adversity. overwhelming representation of human triumph Beethoven’s First Perkin her unique playing style. Rossini the start, before erupting into pure fireworks! for Join us in welcoming back flamboyant Corsican conductor Join us in welcoming back flamboyant Corsican Beethoven Beethoven Rossini Sam Perkin ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN Jean-Christophe Spinosi Irish Chamber Orchestra SEPTEMBER Féile Classical SEPTEMBER 21 | 22 September

Irish Chamber Orchestra The Stunning, Hothouse Flowers, Emotional Fish, The Frank & Walters, The Four of Us & Something Happens

FÉILE CLASSICAL – THE TRIP TO TIPP

28 years after the festival first launched, Féile has been re-branded as ‘Féile Classical’ with a real focus on Irish musical talent. Come along and see the Irish Chamber Orchestra in a new guise, performing classic hits with some of Ireland’s finest rock bands on a spectacular Oyster stage.

Legendary Irish bands and Trip to Tipp veterans including The Stunning, Hothouse Flowers, An Emotional Fish and Something Happens will perform alongside the Irish Chamber Orchestra for this iconic festival. Fully seated, complete with the luxury of gourmet vegan food stalls, pop-up gin and prosecco bars – a far cry from tin-foiled ham sandwiches and flasks of tea.

Friday 21 September Semple Stadium, Thurles www.ticketmaster.ie €60, €54, over 18’s only

Saturday 22 September

SOLD OUT

“Ranging from near-reckless energy to infinite calm, the music-making has that elusive mix of freedom and precision many a conductor would die for. Yet this optimum is due to the ICO leader, Katherine Hunka, who directs from her violin with seemingly telepathic discretion.” Irish Times James MacMillan SEPTEMBER 23 September

Irish Chamber Orchestra Chamber Choir Ireland James MacMillan Conductor

STABAT MATER

James MacMillan Stabat Mater

Chamber Choir Ireland and the Irish Chamber Orchestra perform the Irish premiere of James MacMillan’s Stabat Mater, an intense setting of a medieval hymn for choir and orchestra conducted by the composer himself, as part of NEW MUSIC DUBLIN 2018. MacMillan paints two dramatic pictures, the first in the ethereal writing for voice, the second in lacerating blows and feverish anxieties depicted by the orchestra. Few living composers communicate with such emotional directness. For him ’beauty is at the heart of our Christian faith’ and his grief-wracked Stabat Mater is profoundly shaped by his beliefs.

Sunday 23 September National Concert Hall, Dublin @ 7.30pm 01 417 0000 www.nch.ie €20, €15 conc. 25% discount for Friends of the National Concert Hall 15% discount for Groups of 10 or more

“It’s not often that the composer of a new work gets a standing ovation, but then every new work isn’t like James MacMillan’s Stabat Mater.” The Times

Presented by New Music Dublin with the support of NCH, RTÉ and The Arts Council Michael Buckley OCTOBER 18 | 19 20 October

Irish Chamber Orchestra Katherine Hunka Director Michael Buckley Flute

NIGHT MUSIC

Mozart Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, KV 525 Ronan Guilfoyle Pipe Dreams Concerto for Jazz Flute Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70

Mozart’s joyful serenade, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is one of his most beautiful and best-loved works, full of memorable melodies. Tchaikovsky’s jewel, his Souvenir de Florence was his final piece of chamber music – this tribute to the city of Florence is a wonderful celebration, full of lyricism and ecstatic vigour. Originally scored for sextet, the ICO performs the Souvenir as a string orchestra, which adds to the richness inherent in the music, and amplifies Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous, full, lush sound world. In between, renowned Jazz flute virtuoso Michael Buckley performs Pipe Dreams, an effervescent concerto for Jazz flute and orchestra by Ronan Guilfoyle. A playful dialogue between Michael and orchestra demonstrates the flute’s agility – join us and experience this new and vibrant collaboration!

Thursday 18 October Friday 19 October Saturday 20 October glór, Ennis @ 8pm Siamsa Tíre, Tralee @ 8pm Monkstown Parish Church @ 8pm 065 684 3103 066 712 3055 In Association with the Pavilion Theatre, www.glor.ie www.siamsatire.com Dún Laoghaire €20, €18 €23, €21, €10 01 231 2929 www.paviliontheatre.ie Free Booking Online €24, €22

“The concert full of splendid music under leader Katherine Hunka, benefited from an eclectic approach….overall a stimulating and thought-provoking concert” The Sunday Business Post Jörg Widmann NOVEMBER

15 | 16 17 November

Irish Chamber Orchestra Jörg Widmann Principal Conductor/Artistic Partner Katherine Spencer Clarinet

SPOTLIGHT

Puccini Chrysanthemums for String Orchestra Sebastian Adams 2018.2 Stamitz Concerto for Clarinet B flat major Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48

Jörg Widmann spotlights a new work by Sebastian Adams, currently blazing a trail as a composer and viola player of repute, with a passion for contemporary music. 2018.2 explores the possibilities of the individuals in the orchestra as much as the instruments they play. Puccini‘s Chrysanthemums, written as an elegy for the Duke of Savoy, is a beautifully poignant movement that also featured in Puccini‘s opera Manon Lescaut. Johann Stamitz’s Clarinet Concerto was an early milestone in the development of the genre, and Jörg Widmann invites Katherine Spencer into the spotlight, to show off the vast capabilities of her artistry and instrument. Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous Serenade for Strings, is one of his most enduringly popular works. This, combined with the irrepressible energy and insight brought by Widmann and the ICO, has all the makings of an unforgettable performance!

Thursday 15 November Friday 16 November Sat 17 November University Concert Hall, Curtis Auditorium, The Large Room, City Hall, Limerick @ 8pm CIT Cork School of Music, Waterford @ 7.30pm 061 331549 Cork @ 8pm (Cork Orchestral Society) (Symphony Club of Waterford www.uch.ie www.corkorchestralsociety.ie & Waterford Music) €25, €22, €10 students, €25, €20 (€5 student at door only) 051 855038 €5 children €15, €10 COS members [email protected] (discount code/online purchase) €20, €18

“Obviously the creative communication between Widmann and his ensemble (Irish Chamber Orchestra) works extremely well, which makes for an exciting future.” Der Spiegel Sharon Carty 13 | 14 December also Sento in Belgium brings usbrings

Carty Agitata daAgitata from Handel’s Battalia Vivaldi’s Crescendo Magazine, along with the brilliant Overture remarkable ring with vigor and freshness” extraordinary aria extraordinary – comparable to the very bestthe to comparable –

Biber’s RV 737 “The Irish Chamber Orchestra sounds Vivaldi’s hestra.com

Orlando furioso RV 728 with its beautiful plaintive melody. Tieteberga Jean-Christophe Spinosi HWV 40 from demonstrates his ingenious ability to paint a picture – demonstrates his ingenious ability to paint RV 728 Xerxes

RV 728 Friday 14 December Monkstown Parish Church, Dublin @ 8pm www.irishchamberorc €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children from Ombra mai fu, permeates with solemnity and sadness. In Orlando Furioso magnificent opera magnificent Griselda from

HWV 40 Adagio rain is depicted as a metaphor for tears: worlds collide as the dark skiesdark the as worlds collide tears: for as a metaphor depicted rain is Orlando Furioso Conductor Vivaldi’s Notturno Serenade

Orlando Furioso Xerxes spergiura from

ah Spinosi evocative ,

from Mozart’s Mezzo Soprano

, exploit every theatrical avenue this programme offers! The , exploit every theatrical avenue this programme Arias. Barber’s Battalia à 10 in D major, C. 61 Nel profondo Frondi tenere... Ombra mai fu Sol da te Notturno Serenade KV 239 Ah sleale Agitata da due venti from Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 Sento in seno ch‘in pioggia di lagrime Overture from .

rolls into the much-loved aria,

Handel’s www.irishchamberorchestra.com €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children Thursday 13 December St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick @ 8pm weep submerging us in a deluge of sorrow. due venti lagrime, di pioggia ch’in seno straight onto the battlefield, re-creating the sounds of muskets and cannons, and ending in a howlingstraight onto the battlefield, re-creating the with continues drama The battle. of casualties the for lament of forms. dance and hunting folk-songs, nature, to allusions creating Xerxes from several Arias performs with the emphasis on colliding worlds. The exuberant with the emphasis on colliding worlds. The exuberant Sharon Carty Enjoy a feast of baroque operatic arias, and instrumental music oozing passion, colour and drama -Enjoy a feast of baroque operatic arias, and Vivaldi Vivaldi Vivaldi Barber Vivaldi Biber Vivaldi Mozart Händel Händel NIGHT AT THE OPERA Sharon Carty Irish Chamber Orchestra Jean-Christophe DECEMBER Sonamus 17 January and The Examiner Fiachra Trench Susato Whistles Guitars Singer Cello Harpsichord Poet

“…the music was pleasing, exciting and individual... marvellously performed”

www.mermaidartscentre.ie €18, €16 Thursday 17 January Thursday 17 January Mermaid Theatre, Bray Arts Centre. This concert is curated by Eamon Sweeney, Music Network Artist in Residence 2018 an initiative ofThis concert is curated by Eamon Sweeney, Council Arts Office and Mermaid County WicklowMusic Network in partnership with Wicklow County featuring some of Ireland’s finest artists. inconceivable to those first TDs. This very special concert will reflect on 100 years of the Irish Republicinconceivable to those first TDs. This very special a newly composed work by through poetry, music, and song - including In 1919 the first Dáil convened in Dublin and the first Democratic Programme for Government wasIn 1919 the first Dáil convened in Dublin and the over the last century that would have beendevised. There have been changes in Irish society THE FIRST 100 YEARS Eamon Sweeney Rachel Factor Cormac Breatnach Annette Cleary Theo Dorgan Sonamus: Irish Chamber Orchestra Mary Coughlan JANUARY Jörg Widmann 13 | 14 February takes Grosse

(whilst also towering Beethoven , the multiple divided hands, drives them to Symphony No. 9 Beethoven’s Widmann’s Aria for Strings Aria for

Fascinated by yodelling and all things Swiss,Fascinated by yodelling and all Widmann’s is extremely virtuosic, alternating between aalternating virtuosic, is extremely

Thursday 14 February St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick @ 8pm www.irishchamberorchestra.com €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children Swiss Symphonic Serenade

for Strings Aria String Symphony No. 9 Grosse Fuge, Op. 133 Symphonic Serenade, Op. 39 Principal Conductor February

sought to convey impressions of his Alpine journey in his sought to convey impressions of his Alpine seldom-heard explores music through many voices, spanning centuries. explores music through many voices, spanning

is admired for its almost cosmic proportions, its logic and total honesty. is admired for its almost cosmic proportions,

Irish Independent “At one with Widmann’s direction, ICO’s support is elegant and trenchant,” www.irishchamberorchestra.com €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children Wednesday 13 Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin @ 8pm exhibiting his contrapuntal brilliance) – a masterful achievement for a fourteen-year old! exhibiting his contrapuntal brilliance) – a masterful strings give the impression of imaginary voices. strings give the impression Mendelssohn Korngold’s In dissonant, dark world and a soft, melodic mood. four voices, fully engaged and throbbing at high speeds, and in four voices, fully engaged and throbbing at listen to the vastness of silence. the edge of a cliff before stopping them to Hollywood composer Widmann Fuge Widmann Mendelssohn Beethoven Korngold VOICES FROM THE EDGE Jörg Widmann Irish Chamber Orchestra FEBRUARY Thomas Zehetmair 14 | 15 March explores Violin Concerto No. in A major is stylish Zehetmair dazzling was a respected composer and

Symphony No. 29 Mozart’s www.uch.ie stands at the zenith of his compositions. stands at the zenith of his compositions. Salieri, €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children€25, €22, €10 Friday 15 March University Concert Hall, Limerick @ 8pm 061 331549 Symphonic Elegy In Memoriam Anton von Webern

Veneziana arguably his most popular. His most popular. arguably his – debut (April 2017) was unforgettable. The vigour and freshness of his highly emotive

ICO Director/Violin

highlights his mastery of Italian light opera. highlights his mastery of Italian light opera. Krenek’s century Vienna: both Beethoven and Schubert counted amongst his pupils. His well- pupils. his counted amongst and Schubert Beethoven both Vienna: century Sinfonia in D Major Symphonic Elegy, Op. 105 Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, KV 216 Symphony No. 29 in A-Major, KV 201 th alleged long-time rival (more legend than truth) alleged long-time rival (more legend than Veneziana

is breezy and full of melody violinist.com the fingerboard. But the slow movement was more like a love duet, double stops chiming in like breathy assents.” “During the fast movements, he (Zehetmair) was full of flash and flair, furiously flying about“During the fast movements, he (Zehetmair) was full of flash and flair, furiously flying www.irishchamberorchestra.com €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children Thursday 14 March Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin @ 8pm calls. In between, calls. 3 dazzling scales in the violins, and repeated hornbut restrained, with a mighty finale which features teacher in 18 crafted Mozart’s interpretation, his attention to detail was revelatory. For his long-awaited return, For his long-awaited return, interpretation, his attention to detail was revelatory. charged journey, both in style and emotion. two centuries of Austrian music – a highly Thomas Zehetmair’s Mozart Salieri Mozart MOSTLY MOZART Thomas Zehetmair Irish Chamber Orchestra MARCH Krenek Anna Devin 10 | 11 April . It on wordson Der Freischütz

Weber’s symphony-cantata “ (Hymn of Praise)

, this ,

www.uch.ie Lobgesang

anniversary of Gutenberg’s printing press, it sought anniversary of Gutenberg’s printing press, it th Jörg Widmann Op. 77, J. 277 061 331549 €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children Thursday 11 April University Concert Hall, Limerick @ 8pm to a rousing conclusion. stands as his most ambitious symphonic work. stands Immensely was blown away at the premiere of Der Freischütz, Mendelssohn . Featuring three magnificent soloists and chorus, these performancesthese chorus, and soloists magnificent three Featuring . most popular – foreshadowing, in symphonic terms, the drama to come. most popular – foreshadowing, in symphonic Bach . Mendelssohn J.S tribute to Soprano Weber’s Overture from Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52 Principal Conductor/Artistic Partner Second Symphony

Tenor Soprano

Widmann’s

Spiegel “Obviously the creative communication between Widmann and his ensemble (Irish Chamber Orchestra) works extremely well which makes for an exciting future” €25, €22, €10 students, €5 children Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin @ 8pm www.irishchamberorchestra.com Wednesday 10 April Wednesday 10 April Leipzig’s great sons: great Leipzig’s brings glory! Written for the festival celebrating the 400 glory! Written for the festival celebrating the and church music, and pays homage to another ofto break down the barriers between concert popular during his lifetime and in the hands of hands the in and lifetime his during popular all its magnificent again be experienced in the Holy Bible” (Mendelssohn’s description) can from Mendelssohn’s was an overnight sensation, taking the world by storm. was an overnight sensation, taking the world Today a cornerstone of romantic opera, its overture is one of In 1821, a 12-year-old Weber Mendelssohn WEBER & MENDELSSOHN Anna Devin Colin Balzer Chamber Choir Ireland Genia Kühmeier Irish Chamber Orchestra Jörg Widmann APRIL Peter Whelan 17 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 May

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Saturday 25 May Gaiety Theatre, Dublin @ 2.30pm Gaiety Theatre, Dublin @ 7.30pm www.ticketmaster.ie Friday 24 May Gaiety Theatre, Dublin @ 7.30pm , which was to become one of the

The Magic Flute Dublin @ 7.30pm Tuesday 21 May Gaiety Theatre, Dublin @ 7.30pm Wednesday 22 May Gaiety Theatre, Dublin @ 7.30pm Thursday 23 May Gaiety Theatre, Dublin @ 2.30pm Gaiety Theatre,

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4 OPERA had fallen on hard times. Fortunately, his friend, singer and poet had fallen on hard times. Fortunately, Conductor

had recently written a new play about magic – which was all the rage in Vienna. – which was all the rage in Vienna. had recently written a new play about magic The Magic Flute

Mozart

In 1790, Mozart THE MAGIC FLUTE Peter Whelan Irish Chamber Orchestra Irish National Opera MAY “The Irish Chamber Orchestra delivered with its usual panache under conductor Peter Whelan.” Whelan.”“The Irish Chamber Orchestra delivered with its usual panache under conductor Peter Sunday Business Post 061 331549 or www.uch.ie Limerick @ 8pm (Concert Version) Sunday 19 May University Concert Hall, 053 9122144 / 1850 National Opera House, Wexford @ 8pm Friday 17 May most popular and most performed operas in history. Be prepared to be spirited away into a fairy- most popular and most performed operas the wings of some of Mozart’s most sublime music! tale realm of magic, love and humour – on Schikaneder With Shikaneder’s libretto, Mozart composed AWAY Jörg Widmann 3 | 4 | 5 | 10 June

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Scottish Concert in Sao Paolo Concert Buenos Aires (TBC) Concert in Buenos Aires (TBC) Concert in Sao Paolo Con Brio Concerto for Clarinet in A major, KV 622 Symphony No. 2 180 beats Per Minute Concerto for Clarinet in A major, K Symphony No. 3 Hebrides Overture Op.26

Principal Conductor/Artistic Partner

Monday 10 June Tuesday 4 June Wednesday 5 June Monday 3 June Mozart Schumannn Widmann And/Or Mendelssohn Widmann Mozart Mendelssohn THE HIGHLANDS

Irish Chamber Orchestra Jörg Widmann JUNE 19 November

Jörg Widmann No Weber’s Jörg Widmann’s is followed by Stuttgarter Kammerorchester with the with

Baermann Quintet and Fugue in C minor

Adagio delightful Carnegie Hall, New York Irish Chamber Orchestra Clarinet Quintet Op. 34 Attempt at a Fugue Adagio and Fugue in C minor, KV 546 Piano in E flat major for Clarinet, String Orchestra, Harp & Celesta String Symphony No. 8 in D major Andante from Sonata for Clarinet and

Mozart’s . The obsession with Bach’s counterpoint was the inspiration for obsession with Bach’s counterpoint was Principal Conductor/Artistic Partner sparkling String Symphonies offer an amazing treasure chest of delights. sparkling String Symphonies offer an amazing Full , a monument in the clarinet repertoire, that brims with colour and virtuosity. , a monument in the clarinet repertoire, that

Quintet

Soprano Mendelssohn’s

. The Irish Times. Widmann’s Attempt at the Fugue, an orchestral version of his Fifth String Quartet…is haunted by the Mozart Adagio and Fugue which precedes it here. Classy musical time-travelling.” “Time travellers visiting the past in science fiction always have to have an eye on how their“Time travellers visiting the past in science Jörgactions might change the future. Time travellers in music need have no such worries. Tuesday 19 November fugue as an ‘escape’. thrilling commissioned a re-write of this work for soprano and string orchestra.Thematic ideas areorchestra.Thematic string and for soprano work this re-write of commissioned a and there is a playful engagement with the notion ofconcentrated, scattered, and abbreviated, 8 Attempt at a Fugue Mendelssohn’s the winds create exciting and stirring effects in of colour and youthful energy, the trills from Weber

Mozart Mendelssohn/Widmann Mendelssohn Widmann MENDELSSOHN, MOZART & WIDMANN WIDMANN MENDELSSOHN, MOZART & TBA Irish Chamber Orchestra Jörg Widmann NOVEMBER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Irish Chamber Orchestra has developed a comprehensive community engagement programme. Every time you buy an ICO ticket, you support our programme, bringing live music from the concert hall directly to the community.

SING OUT WITH STRINGS

The ICO’s flagship programme provides weekly workshops in singing, song-writing and instrument tuition for over 300 children across Limerick city. The project was established in 2008 by the Irish Chamber Orchestra as a Community Engagement Programme working within Limerick’s regeneration process. Participating schools include Le Cheile National School, St. Mary’s National School, Thomond Community College and Coláiste Nano Nagle. Inspired by El Sistema, the Venezuelan model of music education which provides free instrumental and vocal tuition countrywide, Sing Out With Strings has gained a significant place within the musical fabric of primary music provision and has attracted recognition as an excellent model of instrumental music provision within primary schools. The project addresses issues of inclusion, equality of access and provision and highlights the numerous benefits that a long-term project of this nature has on the children, staff, parents and the wider community. Both at individual and collective levels the project is uniting communities, building local pride, creating vehicles for expression, stimulating emotional responses and developing tangible musical knowledge and skills. Sing Out With Strings aims to continue to expand, contribute and strengthen the social, cultural and creative capital of communities within Limerick’s regeneration process.

ACADEMOS IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA ACADEMY

The ICO is resident at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the heart of an emerging college of Performing Arts at the University of Limerick. The Academy boasts a respected M.A. in Classical Strings Performance, a full-time two-year programme offering advanced tuition in violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano and harpsichord. The M.A. in Classical String Performance is operated jointly by the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Irish World Academy, UL. Central to the course is the Irish World Academy String Ensemble, Academos, which is tutored by members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and offers students extensive opportunities to perform publically in orchestral and chamber ensembles. Master-classes and workshops by internationally acclaimed visiting directors, soloists, and guests of the ICO are a unique feature of the programme. CONCORDA

ConCorda is an exciting international chamber music course for young string musicians supported by the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Arts Council of Ireland. ConCorda is now in its 23rd year and provides a rare platform for students from fourteen years upwards to discover and explore all aspects of string chamber music in a non-competitive and inspiring environment. The course takes place in the picturesque city of Kilkenny, a city synonymous with arts that offers an inspiring and transforming musical experience in chamber music, string orchestra and music improvisation. Participants study chamber music intensively at a high level with a staff of Irish and international tutors.

IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA COMMUNITY VISITS

Throughout the year, ICO musicians allow time to visit local voluntary organizations and charities and perform for audiences who are unable to attend concerts. Performances at St Gabriel’s School for Children with Special Needs, St Paul’s Nursing Home, the Children’s Ark in Limerick Regional Hospital, Sisters of Charity, Milford Hospice and St. Camillus Hospital have garnered overwhelming feedback.

CEOL NA MARA

Now in its 9th year, Ceol na Mara is a family friendly course catering for all ages and levels from younger children to teenagers and adults. In addition to chamber music, orchestra and traditional music classes, modules such as drama, singing, sean nós dancing, music appreciation and song writing are also included. Ceol na Mara takes place in July in the very beautiful Kylemore Abbey, Connemara and is designed to provide string players of all ages and standards with the opportunity to meet and play music together under the guidance of ICO’s Oonagh Keogh, Director.

SATURDAY STRINGS AT THE ICO

An innovative string programme run by ICO violinist Diane Daly on Saturday mornings at the ICO Studio. The programme includes pre-instrumental classes for 4-7 year olds, beginner strings, continuing strings and chamber groups. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Margaret & James Dodd John Doherty Rónán Dolan Mandy Donworth Andrea Doyle The Irish Chamber Orchestra inspires Joe Dundon audiences of all ages with a passion Maeve Earlie and energy that is unique and Evelyn Fennelly strives to share its music in many Michael & Irene Fenton diverse ways. Through renowned Adrianne Fields performances, community Marion Fitzpatrick engagement projects, the orchestra Robert Fitzpatrick engages with communities and Kieran & Helen Fleck audiences from all walks of life, Dick Fleming throughout Ireland and beyond. If John & Eibhlis Flynn you share our passion or would Bill & Maura Flood consider ways of supporting the ICO, Breffni Freyne please visit our website on Edward Gabriel www.irishchamberorchestra.com Michael & Mary Galvin Frederick Gilligan & Lydice Bunni Funded by Tessa Greally & Kevin Kelleher The Arts Council of Ireland Dorene Groocock Deirdre Hanley Margaret Harper & Richard Stoops Dr. Sonja Heidrich Declan & Joan Hickey Dr. Gisela Holfter Ursula Hough Gormley INDIVIDUAL FRIENDS Sylvia Jones Brenda Andrews Valerie Keegan Olga Barry Brian Kelly Simon Boyle Nuala Kennedy Maura Brann Sheila Keogh Rita Brick Gary Leahy Frances Britton Siún Leonowicz & Gearóid Carey Michael & Sarah Brock Eileen Lydon Pat Burke Conor & Louisa Maguire Rita Butler Dr. Hugh Maguire Judy Byrne & Frank Whelan Agnes & Cormac MacCrann Conor Cahill & Anne Reilly Patrick McCann Brian & Sheila Callanan Marie McCormick Joseph & Breda Clarkin Oonah McCrann/Noel MacMahon Angela Coffey Noreen McDonagh Mary Collins John & Mary McEntagart Jane Coman Ciara McGoldrick & David Avril Condell Montgomery Kevin & Máirin Conroy Paul McNamara Ann Corcoran Vivienne McKechnie Kieran & Oonagh Corr Michael & Valerie Moloney Jackie Costello Dr. Dermot & Dorothy Molony & Family Eamonn Cregan Phil Molony Mairéad De Barra & David Turner Sara Moorhead Colin & Angela Nicholls Brian Patterson Luán Ó Braonáin & Caoimhe Daly Tommy & Ann-Elizabeth Riggs-Miller Donough O’Brien Andrew & Jenny Robinson Shelagh O’Connell Mary Ryan Aodh O’Domhnaill Fionnuala Sherry & Bernard Doyle Seán & Siobhán O’Dúill Norma Smurfit Dr. Geraldine O’Grady Anne O’Keeffe HONORARY FRIENDS Philip O Reilly & Sally Walker Lindsay Armstrong Eithne O’Sharkey Tom Briggs Eugenie & Frank O Sullivan Michael Buckley Paul & Jan O’Sullivan Brian Byrne Joan Parker Frank Casey Michael Petty Maureen Clune Gerard Quinn Marion Creely Peter & Marian Real Maurice Foley Miriam Reilly & Ronan O Loughlin Ann Marie Gill Charlie & Mary Roche Lisa Grosman Michael Ryan Maurice Healy John & Dearval Sheanon Daphne Henderson Gerry & Ann Siney John Horgan Anne Marie Stynes Pritzel Mark Hely Hutchinson Vanessa Sweeney John Kelly Judith Taggart Oonagh Keogh Mary Thornbury Eamonn Lawlor Harry & Helen Van Den Akker Ursula Leslie Liz Walshe Liam McElligott Darina Warner Pauline McLaughlin Harvey Wasserman & Sarah Daniel Kathy Moynes David & Brenda Wilkes Colm O Brien David R Wilkins Fergal O’Ceallachain Kostas Wootis John O’Connor Cian Ó Dúill FOREVER FRIENDS Dr. Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin P.Gerard Boland Vicki O’Toole Michael & Anne Buckley Margaret Quigley Paul J Carey Kenneth Rice Muriel Collins Malachy Robinson Maurice & Maire Foley Mary Robinson Joan Garahy & Pat O’Connor Louis Roden Mary Geary Joachim Roewer Máirín Hagerty Ben Rogerson Maurice Healy Brian Scanlon Dr. Miriam Hederman O’Brien Gillian Smith Alison Hunka Madeleine Staunton Sean & Margaret Jackson Dr. Thérèse Timoney John Kelleher Dr Edward Walsh Hilary & Mary Lawless Mary Walsh Beverley & Anthony Mackay Gerard Watson Aibhlín McCrann Bernard & Moira McNamara CORPORATE FRIENDS Hazel Minion - Dundon Callanan Eve Molony - Paddy Hoare Building Máire-Treasa Nic Eochagáin & Civil Engineering PATRONS & PARTNERSHIPS

The Irish Chamber Orchestra strives to share its music with audiences at home and across the globe. It is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealíon and kindly supported by individuals, corporate friends, private patrons and the corporate sector. The Irish Chamber Orchestra nurtures lifelong rewarding partnerships while offering a range of benefits and sponsorship opportunities. If you are looking to develop relationships with key stakeholders or if you simply want to expand your brand across the length and breadth of Ireland and further afield, the Irish Chamber Orchestra offers creative and rewarding solutions that will bring music to your ear. For further information on how you can help contact 061-202620

Kerry Group mark RECENT RECORDINGS

“Here the wealth of melody in Mendelssohn’s music becomes a resounding feast of sound which remains compact and detailed throughout due to the precise and refined playing by the Irish Chamber Orchestra.” Der Spiegel

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s I n FO n I e 5 “r e FO r m at IO n ”

“The Irish Chamber Orchestra sounds ring with vigor and freshness” Crescendo Magazine, Belgium

I r I s h C h a m b e r O rC h e s t ra m O j C a e r d m a n n j ö rg W I d m a n n

“A thrilling recording from the first to the last bar” CD-Journal Fono Forum

The Arts Council offers a wide range of financial supports across artforms and arts practices, including music in Ireland and proudly funds the Irish Chamber Orchestra. ICO Studio, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick.

Irish Chamber Orchetra is a limited company registered in Ireland No. 82393 Charity No. 8789 VAT No. 461865OU