The Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) presents the world premiere of Mani, a new percussion concerto by acclaimed Irish composer Ronan Guilfoyle, as the centrepiece of Three Worlds, a dazzling concert programme touring Dublin, Limerick, and Cork this November under the direction of Emily Davies.
This new work, commissioned by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, showcases percussionist Matthew Jacobson in an exhilarating exploration of rhythm, colour, and cultural fusion. Mani draws inspiration from South Indian rhythmic traditions, opening with a vibrant tapestry of interlocking pulses before unfolding into moments of lyricism and breathtaking virtuosity. Featuring ICO bassist Malachy Robinson on bass guitar, the piece culminates in a finale bursting with energy and groove.
Composer Ronan Guilfoyle, explaining Mani says “The percussion setup is a kind of hybrid drum set, because I wanted the feeling of groove that drums can give, as well as the colour of other percussion. I also chose bass guitar rather than double bass for its natural ‘hook-up’ with drums. But the strings are far from bystanders, they interact constantly, providing colour, counterpoint and intrigue throughout. Having the brilliance of the ICO made it a joy to explore these possibilities.”
Balancing new and familiar worlds, the programme opens with Purcell’s much loved Abdelazer Suite, theatrical music alive with Baroque elegance and vitality. The concert concludes with Dvořák’s radiant Serenade for Strings, much loved for its warmth, melody and joyful spirit.
Three Worlds captures ICO’s signature blend of bold programming and virtuosic performance, blending Baroque grace, contemporary brilliance, and Romantic beauty in one vibrant evening of music-making.
Don’t miss Irish Chamber Orchestra at the Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin, University Concert Hall Limerick and Curtis Auditorium, MTU Cork on 13, 14 and 15 November respectively.
Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and based at the University of Limerick, the Irish Chamber Orchestra brings world-class performances and groundbreaking new music to audiences across Ireland.
Three Worlds
Irish Chamber Orchestra Emily Davies Director/Guest Leader Matthew Jacobson Percussion Malachy Robinson Bass Guitar
Purcell Abdelazer Suite Ronan Guilfoyle: Percussion concerto Dvořák Serenade for Strings
Thursday 13 November Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
Friday 14 November University Concert Hall, Limerick, 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5
Saturday 15 November, Curtis Auditorium, MTU Cork School of Music, Cork, 7.30pm
Tickets: €20, €15, €10, €5