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Irish Chamber Orchestra Autumn/Winter Season

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The Irish Chamber Orchestra announced details of its Autumn/Winter season at University Concert Hall, Limerick and RDS Concert Hall, Dublin with a Christmas appearance in Cork.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra enjoys a third season working with Artistic Partners, the extraordinary Hungarian conductor Gábor Tákacs Nagy (Principal Artistic Partner) and the multi-talented clarinettist and composer Jörg Widmann (Principal Guest Conductor/Artistic Partner), in presenting a combined vision with two very distinctive styles of programming for the season ahead.

In September (11-12), Gábor Tákacs Nagy (Principal Artistic Partner) marks the end of his symphonic journey with Haydn. The programme is booked-ended by two of Haydn’s celebrated London symphonies – The Clock epitomises the composer’s wit with elegance alongside Haydn’s final and greatest London Symphony which is a real tour de force, a work of consummate mastery. Wagner’s romantic Siegfried Idyll was named so after his son. Bartok’s landmark set of six quartets spanned his creative life and his first, with apparent echoes of Siegfried Idyll, shows a young composer greatly influenced by Wagner, in its harmonic intricacy.

In October (16 & 17) the ICO welcomes back former Artistic Director Anthony Marwood, loved by audiences and orchestra for his distinctive playing and inspiring leadership. The virtuosic Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 BWV 1049 oozes passion, fire and joy in its music while also showcasing the recorder. Bach’s Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C minor, BWV 1060 is one of his greatest concerti. The overall effect is plaintive and mesmerising – as the two soloists weave around each other dancing. Savour Enescu’s Octet, arranged for string orchestra by Marwood. An amazing accomplishment, it is immaculately crafted, fusing the post-Wagnerian ecstasy of early Schonberg with the enigmatic ‘cool’ of Debussy.


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In November (20-21), Widmann continues his exploration of Mendelssohn and other prodigious works. Nowhere is Mendelssohn‘s talent more evident than in those early Sinfonias. No. 4 takes inspiration from Handel, while No. 8 captures the teenage spirit. In between are two contrasting works by Prokofiev. His Quintet in G minor, Op. 39 is a seldom heard gift full of the jazzy themes of the 20‘s, inspired by his forgotten circus ballet, Trapèze. The ICO collaborates for the first time with aerial dance specialists, Fidget Feet, who enhance this imaginative performance. Prokofiev’s Overture is an affectionate caricature, performed by Widmann (clarinet), Hugh Tinney (piano) and three members of the ICO. Widmann’s selection of Duos, from his Suite of 24 Duos for Violin and Cello will astonish and delight audiences.

A subscription ticket to all three concerts in Limerick and Dublin is available for just €50.

The ICO’s December’s Christmas celebration (11-12) Joyeux Noël has a decidedly French theme featuring delights from Saint-Saëns , Debussy, Francais and more. The quality of Vivaldi’s Paris concerti is unsurpassed and shows him at the peak of his invention. Britten’s imaginative exploitation of string orchestra sonorities in Les Illuminations with these exhilarating settings of poems by Arthur Rimbaud, will be performed by Irish soprano Fiona Murphy alongside popular Christmas Carols. These cathedral concerts will take place in Cork and Limerick respectively.

For more information, visit: http://www.irishchamberorchestra.com/

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.