The Music in Me:

In October 2009 the Irish Chamber Orchestra performed a regional concert in Rathkeale, Co Limerick. In the lead up to this concert, an ICO facilitator worked with 20 pupils from Colaiste na Trocaire’s 2nd year Music Class to compose an anthem. The pupils wrote a powerful piece entitled ‘The Music in Me’ which they performed with the ICO as part of this regional concert. Such was the strength of the composition that the ICO invited pupils from Killaloe Community College and Laurelhill Colaiste to join the composers at a concert in February 2010 in the University Concert Hall, Limerick. Some 90 pupils joined together to sing this piece accompanied by the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The pupils subsequently attended the concert which featured ICO Leader, Katherine Hunka and accordion player Dermot Dunne. This song was also featured on a  UL promotional film for the Sing Out with Strings Scholarship Programme featuring Micheal O’Súilleabháin and John Kelly.

Doras Luimni Composition Project

Doras Luimni is an independent non-governmental organisation based in Limerick that supports the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and all migrants. In December 2010 Doras Luimni celebrated its tenth anniversary and, in preparation for this, an ICO facilitator worked with 30 pupils from Presentation Secondary School to compose a new piece entitled ‘Many Voices, One Home.’ This was performed by the pupils, along side ICO musicians. This was a short term project with long term aims, bringing pupils from different cultural backgrounds together to discuss wider issues of culture, identity and experiences of home and friendship.

Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin; Composition Project

Composer Ian Wilson has been working with ICO musicians led by violinist Ken Rice on this project, supported by the Arts Council. Together they have produced a piece for string quartet and soprano based on the experience of stroke. This composition was performed in Adelaide and Meath Hospital with soprano Deirdre Moynihan as part of the National Centre for Arts and Health Concert Series. This project was developed in association with Hilary Moss, Adelaide and Meath Hospital’s Arts Officer.

The Limerick Lullaby Project; Mothers, Musicians, Midwives and Medics

The Limerick Lullaby Project is an ongoing study exploring the benefits of mothers singing lullabies during their pregnancy. The Lullaby Research Team at the University of Limerick is a collaboration between the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Graduate Entry Medical School, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The study involved women recruited through the Limerick Regional Maternity ante-natal education classes and explored the use of music and particularly singing as an alternative strategy for reducing stress. The initial findings proved extremely interesting, indicating that singing was an effective method of stress relief for mothers, both during and following pregnancy. The study is currently being expanded and findings are due to be published in the coming months.

Irish Chamber Orchestra Community Visits

Throughout the year, ICO musicians have donated their time to visit local voluntary organisations and charities and perform for audiences who are unable to attend concerts. These performances have included St Gabriel’s School for Children with Special Needs, St Paul’s Nursing Home, The Children’s Ark in Limerick Regional Hospital, Sisters of Charity and Milford Hospice. Feedback from these concerts has been overwhelmingly positive and is a tradition that the ICO intends to continue.

Academos

The ICO is resident at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the heart  of an emerging college of Performing Arts at the University of Limerick. The Academy boasts a respected MA in classical strings, in which the orchestra plays a key role. Central to the course is the Irish World Academy String Ensemble, Academos comprising Principals and members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra who coach the graduate students of the Academy in leading the orchestra sections of Academos in rehearsals and public performance.

Ceol na Mara

Ceol na Mara takes place each July in Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack and is designed to give string players of all ages and standards the opportunity to meet and play music together under the guidance of ICO’s Oonagh Keogh, Director and Lisa Grosman. The course includes master classes, chamber music and workshops in Irish traditional music. For more information click on the following link http://www.ceolnamara.ie

Saturday Strings at the ICO

An innovative string programme run by ICO violinist Diane Daly on Saturday mornings at the ICO Studio. The programme includes pre-instrumental classes for 4-7 yr olds, beginner strings, continuing strings and chamber groups. For more information click on the following link http://www.musicintheglen.ie/