Event News
An Emperor Rises, Kristian Bezuidenhout Ignites Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto at UCH Limerick on Friday, March 6
Kristian Bezuidenhout Ignites Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto at UCH Limerick on Friday, March 6
The Irish Chamber Orchestra brings its acclaimed Beethoven Piano Concerto Cycle to a thrilling close with ICO Associate Artist Kristian Bezuidenhout, performing at University Concert Hall on Friday, March 6
The Irish Chamber Orchestra brings its acclaimed Beethoven Piano Concerto Cycle to a thrilling close with ICO Associate Artist Kristian Bezuidenhout, performing at University Concert Hall, Limerick (Friday 6 March) and Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin (Saturday 7 March).
Bezuidenhout is considered a master interpreter of Beethoven’s piano works, as he invites audiences to experience the composer in all his brilliance, from youthful sparkle to towering greatness, in concerts crafted as a powerful emotional journey. Guest Leader Magdalėna Geka steers ICO through a night of Beethoven in motion, alive with energy, contrast, and depth.
Beethoven’s Octet for Winds in E-flat Major, led by ICO Principal Oboe, Daniel Bates demonstrates a young Beethoven bursting onto the stage with confidence, warmth, and irrepressible vitality. Conversational, buoyant, and full of wit, the music charms instantly, lifting spirits and drawing the listener into the world of the composer.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
As the excitement settles, Linda Buckley’s Fall Approaches (Haustid Nálgast) offers a moment of contemplative stillness. Inspired by the stark beauty of Icelandic poetry and the ancient tradition of rímur chanting, the piece is rooted in communal storytelling and night-time vigils (kvöldvaka). Cool, timeless, it creates a thoughtful space, a clearing of the air before the final ascent.
The evening reaches its majestic climax with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.5 The Emperor. From its bold opening gestures to its sweeping lyricism and radiant power, this is Beethoven at his most commanding and expansive. With Kristian Bezuidenhout at the piano, the music surges with confidence and grandeur, yet remains deeply human, exhilarating, uplifting, and unforgettable. Experiencing the Emperor live is something that lingers long after the final chord fades.
This concert celebrates the mighty Beethoven, his beginnings, his legacy, and his enduring power to move, thrill, and inspire. The Emperor at UCH, Limerick and at the Whyte Recital Hall, Dublin on the 6 and 7 March.
As Ireland’s national chamber orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra continues to captivate audiences at home and abroad, while proudly calling the University of Limerick its home. The ICO is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
PHOTOS Torch Players celebrate 50 years WITH Dancing at Lughnasa at the Belltable from March 10 to 14
Limerick Chamber welcomes launch of High Visibility Policing Plan for Limerick City Centre
Limerick voices to feature at 2026 National Type 1 Diabetes Conference on Saturday, April 18
Exceptional Limerick athletes celebrated with special City Hall reception
University of Limerick research identifies effective professional relationships reduce youth offending
5 events in Limerick this weekend, March 6 – March 8
Volunteer tradespeople unite to deliver home renovation project for 11-year-old Alex
‘DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland’ rallying the troops for Westbury visit from March 23 to April 1
Patrick ‘Mul’ Moloney remembered as a kind-hearted man with a love for his family and music
