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ICO Schools Gala Show returns to University Concert Hall on Wednesday, May 13

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ICO Schools Gala Show returns to University Concert Hall on Wednesday, May 13

ICO Schools returns to University Concert Hall on Wednesday, 13 May for its much-anticipated annual Gala Show

Established in 2008 (formerly Sing Out With Strings), ICO Schools has become a vital part of primary education in Limerick schools
Established in 2008 (formerly Sing Out With Strings), ICO Schools has become a vital part of primary education in Limerick schools

Irish Chamber Orchestra’s in-school music programme, ICO Schools, returns to University Concert Hall on Wednesday, 13 May at 11am for its much-anticipated annual Gala Show, this year inspired by the theme of Empathy.

The performance brings together over four hundred pupils from Le Chéile N.S. and St. Mary’s N.S. in Limerick, celebrating a year of creativity, collaboration, and musical discovery.

Established in 2008 (formerly Sing Out With Strings), ICO Schools has become a vital part of primary education in Limerick schools. Each week, the programme delivers high-quality, curriculum-based music education. Every participating child receives free tuition and their own instrument to take home, supporting not just musical development but also confidence, focus, and a keen sense of achievement.


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Since the programme began, over 3,000 children have composed and performed their own music, with many stepping onto stages at leading venues across the city. This year’s Gala Show continues that tradition, featuring a lively blend of original student compositions alongside well-loved favourites. Among the new compositions debuting are I Know How You Feel, Lifted with Energy, Empathy, Abracadabra Chickaboom, Each of Us, and Peter Bob, all woven into a dynamic and engaging performance by the two school orchestras.

The performance brings together over four hundred pupils from Le Chéile N.S. and St. Mary’s N.S. in Limerick

Throughout the year, ICO musicians, including violinist Kenneth Rice and bassist Malachy Robinson, have worked side by side with students, providing mentorship and artistic guidance. An ICO Quartet joins the children on stage, adding depth and energy to what promises to be a colourful and uplifting musical showcase.

At its heart, ICO Schools reflects Irish Chamber Orchestra’s commitment to community engagement, using music as a powerful tool to spark imagination, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging among young people in Limerick.

As always, admission to the Gala Show is free, and audiences are warmly invited to attend. Tickets can be collected at the box office on arrival.

Irish Chamber Orchestra, based at the University of Limerick, is proud to serve as Ireland’s national chamber orchestra, performing both at home and on international stages. ICO is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

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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.