This October, Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) marks 30 incredible years at the University of Limerick with a one-of-a-kind anniversary concert on Saturday 18th October at University Concert Hall.
Since relocating to Limerick in 1995, ICO is recognised as Ireland’s most adventurous ensembles, touring the world, recording widely, and showcasing Irish creativity on the global stage. In 2008, the orchestra moved to a custom designed and built studio on UL’s North Campus in Co Clare.
At the same time, they’ve stayed deeply rooted in the city, bringing music into schools and communities through free education programmes that place instruments, tuition, and inspiration directly into young hands. In doing so, the ICO is not just creating musicians, we’re nurturing confidence, imagination, and joy.
CEO Gerry Keenan added “Limerick is at the heart of everything we do. It’s where our musicians work, and it’s where our belief that music is for everyone comes to life – in schools, on stage, and in the community. As we celebrate thirty years here, we’re excited not just to look back, but to look forward, sharing the joy of music with audiences and communities near and far.”
Our 30th anniversary concert captures everything ICO stands for: world-class music, local impact, and plenty of surprises. Our newly appointed Artistic Partner, Norwegian violinist and composer Henning Kraggerud opens a new chapter, directing a vibrant programme brimming with playfulness and passion from the violin.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music as the evening bursts into life with Micheál Ó Súilleabháin’s playful and witty Must Be More Crispy, featuring special guests Mel Mercier on percussion and Niall Vallely on concertina. For the very first time, ICO Youth joins forces with the orchestra and the brilliant Henning Kraggerud to perform his Little Suite in Old Style, before sweeping us into Piazzolla’s hauntingly beautiful Oblivion and Sam Perkin’s dazzling Inspirit.
Henning and ICO then revel in the lush romantic glow of Atterberg’s Suite No. 3 before igniting the stage with the stormy brilliance of Grieg’s String Quartet in G minor transforming into a thrilling orchestral blaze. A night of wit, charm, and passion awaits in Limerick.
This is more than a concert, it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together over three extraordinary decades in Limerick, and a glimpse of the bold new chapter ahead.
Join us for a night to remember on Saturday 18 October at University Concert Hall, Limerick. Get your tickets here…
As Ireland’s national chamber orchestra, ICO is proud to call the University of Limerick its home, while also touring regularly across Ireland and internationally.
ICO is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.