Irish Chamber Orchestra launches vibrant Winter/Spring Season 2026 programme

Irish Chamber Orchestra launches vibrant Winter/Spring Season 2026. In collaboration with ICO

Irish Chamber Orchestra launches a Winter/Spring Season 2026 programme that propels audiences into a vivid world of sound, sensation, and imagination

Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) has launched a season that propels audiences into a vivid world of sound, sensation, and imagination. Each month unveils a new emotional landscape with moments to thrill, reflect and celebrate. Guided by extraordinary artists, the brilliant ICO delivers performances that mesmerise.

Abel Selaocoe is more than a cellist; he is a force of nature. His music breathes and dances, fusing virtuosic cello with electrifying and breathtaking throat-singing. In his ICO debut, Selaocoe guides audiences through the warmth of Lerato, the courage of Qhawe, and the triumphant spirit of Ibuyile l’Africa is Back, interwoven with Janáček’s dramatic intensity, Debussy’s intimate whispers, and Sibelius’s Nordic glow. Expect to be swept away, body and soul by HOME with Selaocoe at UCH, Limerick, 3 February and NCH, Dublin, 5 February.

Join Kristian Bezuidenhout in THE EMPEROR for a sweeping emotional journey with Beethoven as Kristian ignites the composer’s genius with clarity and intensity. His Octet bursts with youthful brilliance and infectious charm, while Linda Buckley’s Fall Approaches offers reflective stillness, preparing audiences for the grandeur and exhilaration of the mighty Emperor. Prepare for a Beethoven celebration of thrills that uplifts and lingers on March 6 at UCH, Limerick and on March 7 in RIAM, Dublin.

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Artistic Partner Henning Kraggerud leads audiences into the enchanting MOZART’S WORLD visiting Limerick, Cork, Waterford, and Dublin from 16-19 April. Mozart’s celebrated Violin Concerto in E minor sparkles with joyous energy, his Violin Sonata invites intimate conversation, while his Symphony No. 29 bursts with elegance and vitality. Across Limerick, Cork, Waterford, and Dublin, Kraggerud’s insight and passion make Mozart feel alive and irresistible. Don’t miss this exploration!

Violinist Carolin Widmann returns with a programme celebrating the genius and charm of the BROTHERS HAYDN. Joseph’s Violin Concerto No. 4 draws audiences into lively, intimate interplay with ICO, while Michael’s Symphony MH 287 delights with playful wit and joyous energy. Joseph’s Farewell Symphony entrances and delights audiences with its charm, humour, and heartfelt resonance. Widmann and ICO will set the stage alight at UCH, Limerick, on May 14, and RIAM, Dublin, on May 15.

Henning Kraggerud creates an immersive journey in FRENCH REVERIE, mesmerizing audiences into a dreamlike world of colour and nuance. Fauré’s Pavane envelops in tender nostalgia, melting into Debussy’s luminous La fille aux cheveux de lin. Satie’s gentle Gymnopédie No. 1 invites reflection, while Massenet’s much loved Méditation simply swells the heart. The premiere of Katherine Hunka’s elegy, Beyond moves the soul with poignant beauty, before an exhilarating finale of Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major, arranged for orchestra. From quiet intimacy to dazzling brilliance, these concerts immerse audiences in the full splendour of French music at RIAM, Dublin on June 18, and UCH, Limerick, on June 19.

Join ICO for a season that moves, inspires, and captivates. From its home at the University of Limerick, ICO continues to innovate, delight, and forge unforgettable connections, with the vital support of The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Tickets are available on the ICO website.

This year, Irish Chamber Orchestra celebrates a major milestone, its 30th anniversary in Limerick. To mark this occasion, the group have launched its Gift of Music campaign — a collective effort to raise €30,000 in support of our education and community engagement programmes in 2025.

They said, “Thanks to a generous group of supporters, we’ve secured €15,000 in matching funds, which means every euro donated by the public between now and December 31st will be doubled. Your €50 becomes €100; Your €250 becomes €500; and Your €1,000 becomes €2,000.”

They added, “A donation of any size moves us closer to our goal — and with matching funds in place, every gift counts twice. If you’re able, please consider contributing at a level meaningful to you.”

Donations can be made online.