This Autumn, Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) invites audiences across Ireland to feel every note with a season brimming with beauty, brilliance, and bold new voices.
From haunting meditations to joyful fireworks, every concert promises an unforgettable emotional journey, music that doesn’t just entertain, but moves, thrills, and transforms.
The season opens at the Westport Chamber Music Festival on Friday 12 September, with André Swanepoel leading a rich tapestry of sound. Experience the soul-stirring gravity of Haydn’s Seven Last Words, the restless drive of Mozart’s Adagio & Fugue, and the lively spirit of Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 2. The programme takes an unexpected turn with Donnacha Dennehy’s Woven, an inventive new work, full of surprise, shadow, and sonic ingenuity. The evening culminates in jubilant style with Bach’s exhilarating Double Violin Concerto, performed by Benjamin Schmid and Pablo Hernán Benedí. Don’t miss this powerful opening night at St. Patrick’s Church, Newport, Friday 12 September.
Later in September, the internationally renowned Richard Egarr conducts WATER MUSIC, an elemental programme flowing from stillness to celebration. Deirdre McKay’s Meltwater evokes the icy beauty of a world in flux, while Handel’s Water Music dazzles with its regal rhythms and festive flair. It’s music to stir the soul and awaken the senses. Performances take place at Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin on Thursday 18 September, at Clifden Arts Festival on Friday 19 September, and at University Concert Hall, Limerick on Saturday 20 September.
In October, ICO presents a vibrant series exploring Nordic passion, romantic intensity, and homegrown celebration. In ROMANTIC FIRE, newly appointed Artistic Partner Henning Kraggerud brings his signature Nordic spirit to three electrifying nights of musical storytelling. Hear the sculpted intensity of Bacewicz’s String Quartet, the lush romanticism of Atterberg Suite No. 3 and the bold, breathtaking fusion of folk and fire in Grieg’s String Quartet in G minor. Performances at Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM on Thursday 16 October, and The Model, Sligo on Friday 17 October.
On Saturday 18 October, join ICO in Limerick as it celebrates 30 years at the heart of the city’s musical life with a festive anniversary concert. The programme begins with the cheeky sparkle of Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin’s (Must Be More) Crispy featuring Niall Vallely Concertina and Mel Mercier Percussion.
In a landmark moment for Irish music education, the ICO Youth Orchestra performs alongside ICO for the first time, presenting works by Piazzolla, Sam Perkin and more. The celebration continues with Atterberg’s Suite No. 3, arranged by Helms Ålien and Henning Kraggerud, and concludes with a sweeping orchestral arrangement of Grieg’s String Quartet in G minor, a storm of Nordic passion and lyrical fire.
In November, THREE WORLDS brings together three distinct musical traditions across three unforgettable nights. Percussionist Matthew Jacobson premieres Ronan Guilfoyle’s bold new concerto, Mani, a thrilling fusion of jazz, Indian classical, and raga Poorvi, honouring the legendary T.A.S. Mani. The programme also features the theatrical brilliance of Purcell’s Abdelazer Suite and the warm embrace of Dvořák’s Serenade. Catch this global celebration at Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM on Thursday 13 November, University Concert Hall, Limerick on Friday 14 November, and Curtis Auditorium, MTU Cork School of Music on Saturday 15 November.
The season culminates in December with Handel’s immortal masterpiece, MESSIAH. Under the direction of Christian Curnyn, this majestic collaboration between the Irish Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir Ireland delivers radiant arias, thunderous choruses, and soul-stirring climaxes. Let this timeless music move you, comfort you, and fill you with festive joy. Celebrate Christmas with ICO at St. Mary’s Church, Dingle on Thursday 11 December and at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick on Friday 12 December.
As Ireland’s national chamber orchestra, ICO continues to captivate audiences at home and abroad, while proudly calling the University of Limerick its home. ICO is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.