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February 2010
Irish Chamber Orchestra
Katherine Hunka violin & Dermot Dunne accordion
“The rapport between Hunka and soloist Dermot Dunne (accordion) and the rapport between them and the orchestra, in turn led to lovely, sensitive, bright, enthusiastic playing that pleased all who heard it”. Declan Townsend, The Examiner
“The Irish Chamber Orchestra’s programme at the RDS was like a large hamper of treats…….But the orchestra did the pieces with such style and panache that the audience demanded – and got – some more as an encore.” Michael Dervan, The Irish Times
December 2009
Irish Chamber Orchestra
National Chamber Choir – Handel’s Messiah
Jonathan Cohen conductor Sinead Campbell, soprano
Martha Bredin, mezzo-soprano Eamonn Mulhall, tenor Owen Gilhooly, bass
“Magnificant playing by the Irish Chamber Orchestra and superb choral singing by the National Chamber Choir moved many audience members to afford this performance of Handel’s masterpiece a standing ovation”. Declan Townsend, The Examiner
October 2009
Irish Chamber Orchestra
Anthony Marwood artistic director
“The ICO rose to the challenge brilliantly. Declan Townsend, The Examiner
“……the ICO and director Anthony Marwood pitched themselves with unfailing commitment. Martin Adams, The Irish Times
September 2009
Irish Chamber Orchestra
Gérard Korsten conductor
Alison Balsom trumpet
“What better way for the RDS to herald the opening of a glamorous new concert hall and its new sound system than through the artistry of the most glamorous trumpet player on the planet?......Balsom’s programme here of the Hummel and Haydn trumpet concertos – cornerstones of the genre – displayed the glowing beauty of her musicianship with dazzling notes and phrases peppering the auditorium, revealing not just the richness of the compositions themselves, but of the quality of the recently installed acoustic system…….At the heart of this concert, however was the Irish Chamber Orchestra, a group which has scaled its way into the world rankings through imaginative and stylish performances.” Dick O Riordan, Sunday Business Post
“Saturday’s programme was clearly intended to be a grand statement about the new order. It offered a first-class overture by Mozart (The Impresario) trumpet concertos by Hummel and Haydn played by celebrated trumpeter Alison Balsom and Beethoven’s great Eroica Symphony….A partial standing ovation at the end of the evening boded well for the orchestra’s next outing.” Michael Dervan, Irish Times
“Another superb show from the wonderful Irish Chamber Orchestra” Declan Townsend, The Examiner
April 2009
Irish Chamber Orchestra
Anthony Marwood director/violin
“Music by Handel, the 250th anniversary of whose death is commemorated this year, opened and closed the concert. Superb dynamic contrasts, tight precision rhythms, clear contrapuntal lines and beautifully-shaped phrases marked the performance of his Concerto Gross in A Op.6 No 11…….Schuman’s beautifully tuneful cello concerto, in Jopling’s transcriptions for Violin and Strings, suited Marwood;s exquisite tone and musicianship perfectly. The 12th String Symphony by the 14-year old Mendelssohn brought the best out of the orchestra”. Declan Townsend, The Examiner
March 2009
Irish Chamber Orchestra
Stephen Hough director/piano/conductor
Juliet Welchmann cello
“Right from the ICO’s entry on tiptoes, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.21 in C sparkled and the tiny hesitations and hurryings in Hough’s deliciously singing tone made the first movement an experience to savour…….Hough’s Elegy for cello and orchestra “The Loneliest Wilderness” was sensitively haunting in the performance by ICO principal cellist Juliet Welchman.” Declan Townsend, The Examiner
Stephen Hough’s interpretation of the Mozart Concerto is a model of effortless poise, but can also employ urgent intensity when required……ICO’s involvement brings incisive and passionate commitment to bear throughout the evening” Pat O Kelly, The Irish Independent
It’s not yet clear whether the ongoing recession will slow down the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s expansion from a strings-only band into a fully-fledged chamber orchestra with wind as well as strings. But this concert under guest director Stephen Hough gave a good indication of what will be lost should the process of expansion stall…….Hough’s was a performance that went from strength to strength, and there was no weakening in the delivery of the closing movement, which bubbled with an energy that seemed both infectious and irrepressible.” Michael Dervan, The Irish Times
February 2009
Irish Chamber Orchestra
Jaime Martin conductor
Johnny Teyssier clarinet
“The combination of Spanish conductor/flautist Jaime Martin’s outstanding musicianship, American clarinettist Johnny Teyssier’s virtuosic brilliance and the flexibility, enthusiasm and responsiveness of the orchestral players resulted in this memorable concert given by the superb Irish Chamber Orchestra” – Declan Townsend, The Examiner
“Martin’s ICO programme at NCH got off to a good start in Stravinksy’s Concerto in D. The opening Vivace danced lightly on its toes, the poignancy of the central Arioso was nicely caught and the closing Rondo was delivered with the right fizz” – Michael Dervan, The Irish Times
November 2008
Irish Chamber Orchestra
Alexander Polianichko conductor;
Aleksandar Madžar piano
Huw Morgan trumpet
“Former Marinsky (Kirov) Theatre conductor Alexander Polianichko drew exquisite playing from the Irish Chamber Orchestra….. Mazdar’s brilliance was matched by the superb musicianship of all his colleagues”. – Declan Townsend, The Examiner
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Reviews
