“The ICO is a fantastic ensemble of international quality” Alison Balsom, Trumpet

“One of the most enjoyable and artistically satisfying tours of my seven decades of so doing.” -Leon Fleisher, Pianist (referring to the ICO’s 8th Concert U.S. Tour in October and November of 2011)

“The Irish Chamber Orchestra is already a first-class, international ensemble.  But, poised as it is for further recognition, now is the very moment when it needs support to continue to flourish.  With its wonderful new home-space in Limerick and its young, passionate, dedicated players, it would be tragic for the arts in Ireland if the ICO were to lose the impetus it has gained thus far by insufficient funding.”  Stephen Hough, Piano

“The Irish Chamber Orchestra is a very special group, combining qualities of superb musicianship, enthusiasm and openness, and a rare sense of idealistic ensemble. It would be a tragedy for the cultural life of Ireland if the orchestra were to be threatened by lack of financial support.”  Steven Isserlis, Cello

Collaboration with the Irish Chamber Orchestra is a joy. The individual and collective skills of the musicians brush aside all difficulties , technical and interpretative , and get straight to the heart of the matter – making music with all it’s expressions of joy and sorrow , wonder and mystery. The orchestra’s recent premiere performances of my Symphony No.10 in Limerick and Dublin with Gabor Takacs were a revelation to me as to how new music can be made to live vibrantly from the very first rehearsal. Firmly established in their new Limerick headquarters the Irish Chamber Orchestra is a major artistic asset at least on a par with anything we can display to the world in other art forms. John Kinsella, Composer  

“I have an idea. Let’s remind everybody that musical performances are what one’s imagination is built upon. The ICO is becoming a living and breathing exploration of the new possibilities an ensemble needs to discover in order to keep resonating in its community. And that makes me ecstatic.”  Pekka Kuusisto, Violin   

“I have conducted the ICO many times in the last few years and it is always a refreshing experience for me. Their love of what they are doing always gives a heart-lifting and electrifying concert-experience. They are a diamond in the cultural life ofIreland.” Gábor Takács-Nagy, Conductor

“I always go home more inspired than when I arrived, with this orchestra, you can fly” Jörg Widmann, Principal Guest Conductor/ Clarinet