Orchestra to begin season with a Limerick thrill

One of Ireland’s most dynamic ensemble, Irish Chamber Orchestra, will open its season in Limerick on February 24.

Mixing traditional repertoire with new commissions as they collaborate with everyone from DJs to dance companies, ICO pushes the boundaries of what a chamber orchestra can do.

Based at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, ICO is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.

The thrilling concert will feature ICO’s Principal Conductor and Artistic Partner, Thomas Zehetmair and his wife, renowned violist, Ruth Killius.

One of the finest violinists in Europe and equally in demand as a conductor, Thomas Zehetmair has a reputation for compelling performances and artistic individualism.

Zehetmair and Killius already work hand in glove as one half of the award-winning Zehetmair Quartet, and in these concerts, they showcase Mozart’s glorious Sinfonia concertante, an iconic work from his Salzburg days, to great effect. 

In the prodigious Wind Serenade by Richard Strauss, the Irish Chamber Orchestra shines its carefree, calm, and lyrical work.

Continuing to champion Irish composers, Raymond Deane’s evocative and atmospheric Embers features alongside Haydn’s Symphony No. 49 which explores grief with dramatic flair.

Full of striking dark colours, the Passion Symphony is typical of the period and Zehetmair and ICO give it that emotional intensity. 

The concert will take place at University Concert Hall, in Limerick on February 24. Tickets via uch.ie