Irish Chamber Orchestra
Jörg Widmann Principal Conductor/Artistic Partner
Chamber Choir Ireland
Genia Kühmeier Soprano
Anna Devin Soprano
Colin Balzer Tenor

Weber Overture from Der Freischütz, Op. 77, J. 277
Mendelssohn Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52 Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise)

In 1821, a 12-year-old Mendelssohn attended the premiere of Weber’s Der Freischütz and was blown away. Der Freischütz, an overnight sensation, took the world by storm. Today a cornerstone of romantic opera, its overture is one of Weber’s most popular – foreshadowing, in symphonic terms, the drama to come.

Mendelssohn’s Second Symphony stands as his most ambitious symphonic work. Immensely popular during his lifetime and in the hands of Jörg Widmann, this “symphony-cantata on words from the Holy Bible” (Mendelssohn’s description) can again be experienced in all its magnificent glory! Written for the festival celebrating the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg’s printing press, it sought to break down the barriers between concert and church music, and pays homage to another of Leipzig’s great sons: J.S. Bach. Featuring three magnificent soloists and chorus, these performances brings Widmann’s tribute to Mendelssohn to a rousing conclusion.

“Obviously the creative communication between Widmann and his ensemble (Irish Chamber Orchestra) works extremely well which makes for an exciting future”
Spiegel

20:00, Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

20:00, Thursday, April 11, 2019
University Concert Hall, Limerick