The Irish Chamber Orchestra is a hand-picked group of players who have built a reputation for the highest level of musical excellence, a vivid energy and a refreshing sense of warmth and wit.

Violin virtuoso Anthony Marwood was appointed Artistic Director of the Orchestra in 2006 and has spurred them on to ever greater artistic heights. Under his leadership an imaginative mix of some of the world’s finest musicians have been invited to work with the orchestra, including Maxim Vengerov, Nigel Kennedy, Steven Isserlis and Sinéad O’Connor.

The ensemble has consolidated its reputation as not just Ireland’s premier ensemble, but one of the finest of its kind in the world - recent tours include across Europe, Australia, South Korea, China and the US.

Outside the concert hall the orchestra takes an active role in the wider community - working in marginalised communities to promote engagement in education and using music as a tool to increase self-confidence, enhance leadership skills and encourage creative problem solving. The ICO also provides tuition and support to the next generation of musicians.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra is resident at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the heart of the emerging College of Performing Arts at the University of Limerick and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

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