Celebration of music as ICO and CCI join forces in Limerick this March 16

The Irish Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir Ireland will collaborate this March in a celebration of music

A celebration of music and song from saints and scholars will come to Limerick this March 16 as the ICO and CCI join forces

Two of the country’s foremost music ensembles collaborate in March. Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) joins forces with Chamber Choir Ireland (CCI) for a fabulous celebration of music and song from saints and scholars in Dublin and Limerick on 15 and 16 March under the baton of Cormac McCarthy.

To coincide with Seachtain na Gaeilge, this celebration of music features Amra Choluim Chille, a world premiere by composer Eoghan Desmond.  Desmond draws on his vast experience as a choral singer and bass-baritone to write music that showcases a deep understanding of the voice and its capabilities. This new Irish language cantata for choir, strings, harp, and percussion is inspired by Irish traditional music.  The well-known tune Columba features throughout the piece, ornamented in a manner inspired by sean-nós singing.  

St. Hildegard Von Bingen was a composer, and poet whose songs, writings, remarkable life, and visions have been rediscovered in this century. Her music stretched the boundaries of the chant of the time. O virtus sapientiae sung by CCI is a beautiful hymn to the Holy Wisdom and Trinity.

Arvo Pärt’s music shimmers with emotion.  Silouan’s Song performed by ICOblooms in a passive wave of strings that depends on silence as well as sonority reflecting Pärt’s devotion to his faith. The mesmerising and hauntingly beautiful Fratres shimmers with emotion and is a shining example of Pärt’s Tintinnabuli style.  

Sibelius’s wonderful Rakastava paints an earthy and erotic picture of young love. 

Don’t miss Irish Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir Ireland for a feast of colourful works on Wednesday 15 March in All Hallows Chapel, DCU, Dublin and on Thursday 16 March St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick at 7.30pm.

Irish Chamber Orchestra is Ireland’s most dynamic ensemble delivering world-class concerts with energy and style. Mixing traditional repertoire with new commissions and collaborating with everyone from DJs to dance companies, the ICO pushes the boundaries of what a chamber orchestra can do. ICO is resident at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. ICO is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

Chamber Choir Ireland is Ireland’s national chamber choir and flagship choral ensemble. Recognised for its eclectic and creative commissioning, programming, and recording, CCI also delivers an extensive learning and participation programme across the country.

Tickets from www.irishchamberorchestra.com

Find more events in Limerick here.