Young Limerick musicians take world stage in Vienna for orchestra festival

A GROUP of young musicians from Limerick city will be travelling to Vienna, Austria for the World Orchestra Festival this week. 

The 30 young musicians are members of Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) Youth, which is based in the University of Limerick. 

The group will perform an “ambitious and emotive” programme under the direction of conductor Tasmine Plowman. The programme will include works by Sam Perkin, Arthur Duff, Strauss, Holst, and Dvořák, at iconic venues such as the Golden Hall of the Musikverein.

The festival, running from Wednesday, July 9 to Monday, July 14, also includes masterclasses with professors from Vienna’s University of Music and Performing Arts, offering students “invaluable international experience”.

CEO Gerry Keenan said this achievement is “transformational for the individuals, for the community, and for the future of Limerick”.

“Irish Chamber Orchestra extends deep gratitude to the Ireland Funds, to our friends and sponsors whose belief and generosity have made this extraordinary journey possible,” he continued. 

“We remain committed to nurturing talent, inspiring hope, and creating pathways where young people can dream boldly and shine brilliantly.”

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A spokesperson from ICO said: “These young artists are more than performers, they are storytellers, dreamers, and trailblazers whose journey through music has already begun to transform their lives and their community. 

“Their presence on this international stage is a testament to the power of opportunity, the strength of dedication, and the vision of Irish Chamber Orchestra’s (ICO) unique education programmes, which open doors and shape futures throughout Limerick.”

“We are immensely proud of our students,” the statement concluded.

ICO is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.