Irish Chamber Orchestra recognised for 30 years making music in Limerick

Mayor hosts Mayoral Reception in recognition of Irish Chamber Orchestra celebrating 30 years in Limerick. Photo: Keith Miseman

The Irish Chamber Orchestra were honoured with a Mayoral Reception at Merchants Quay, City Hall, celebrating their 30th anniversary in Limerick

The 30th anniversary of the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s presence in Limerick was celebrated by Limerick City and County Council with a Mayoral Reception, which the Mayor said was a “very proud” celebration.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) first relocated to Limerick from Dublin back in 1995 when the Irish World Academy was being established at the University of Limerick.

The ICO has since toured the world, recording and showcasing local and national creativity on a global stage.

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It has toured extensively across Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and the U.S., and made history as the first Irish orchestra to hold a three-year residency at Germany’s Heidelberg Frühling Festival.

Supported by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Limerick City and County Council, the ICO operates as both an orchestra and a charitable organisation, ensuring that many in Limerick city have access to free music education in schools through its ICO Schools initiative.

The ICO is also deeply rooted on the University of Limerick campus, where it co-runs the acclaimed MA in Classical String Performance, attracting exceptional students from across the globe.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said he was “very proud” to help celebrate the “extraordinary presence” of ICO in Limerick for their 30th anniversary.

He said, “In many ways, their journey over the last three decades mirrors our own transformation in Limerick. They have been bold, brave, led with a different kind of energy and have made impacts on the national and international stage. But above and beyond the great music, what has impressed me most is how the ICO and its musicians have brought their talents and mentorship right into schools and neighbourhoods all across Limerick.”

The ICO’s extensive discography includes prestigious recordings with Jörg Widmann that have earned international acclaim, cementing its reputation among Europe’s leading ensembles.

Equally, the ICO has forged landmark collaborations and recordings with some of Ireland’s most iconic artists including Sinéad O’Connor, DJ Kormac, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, and The Cranberries.

CEO of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Gerry Keenan, added, “Limerick has shaped who we are. Its energy, creativity, and sense of community inspire what we do, from our performances to our work in schools and neighbourhoods. We’re proud ambassadors for Limerick, proving that world-class music and transformative education can thrive outside the capital. We’ve grown with this city, and we look forward to nurturing the next generation of musicians and audiences over the next thirty years.”

The Mayoral Reception coincides with the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s 30th anniversary gala concert at University Concert Hall, which takes place on on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

The concert honours the legacy of Micheál Ó Súilleabháin, whose vision brought the ICO to Limerick three decades ago.

It will be led by Henning Kraggerud, the ICO’s new Artistic Partner in 2025.