Friends & Patrons
Join our community of supporters. Whether you're new to Irish Chamber Orchestra or have known us for years, there's a place for you here.
Friends of ICO is the foundation of our individual giving, a large, loyal community of people who feel genuinely part of the life of the orchestra.
For those who want a deeper relationship, our Patrons Circle offers closer access to the music and the musicians.
Membership starts at just €125 a year, with priority booking, pre-concert receptions, and a closer connection to the music at every level.
"We love the amazing variety of music, the high quality of the musicians, and the excellent visiting maestros and conductors. It's fantastic." ICO Patron
What your support makes possible.
Indicative examples of what your annual support helps make possible across the giving levels below.
- €125 - Funds a week of free music lessons for a child in ICO Schools.
- €275 - Covers the cost of instruments for a young musician in ICO Youth for a term.
- €500 - Funds a community concert, bringing live music to people who might never otherwise experience it.
- €1,000 - Supports a full series of ICO Schools workshops in a primary school.
- €2,500 - Funds two musicians to deliver community workshops over a full season.
Friends of ICO - where most people start
People join as Friends because they love the music and want to stay close to it. Because they want to share it with others. Because they share our values and the belief that great music belongs to everyone. Being part of a community of people who feel the same way matters to them.
Friend
€125 per year (individual) | €200 per year (couple) | €300 per year (family)*
Friend
€125 per year (individual) | €200 per year (couple) | €300 per year (family)*
- Priority booking with early access and a discount code.
- Two pre-concert Friends and Supporters receptions per year.
- Recognition in programme and website.
- Quarterly newsletter.
- Regular supporter updates and early access to ICO news.
Supporting Friend
€275 per year
Supporting Friend
€275 per year
- All Friend benefits, plus:
- Invitation to an open rehearsal.
Principal Friend
€500 per year
Principal Friend
€500 per year
- All Supporting Friend benefits, plus:
- Two complimentary tickets per year.
- Enhanced recognition in programme and website (replaces standard recognition).
A 25% concession is available for students and OAPs at Friend level.
Forever Friends: existing lifetime members remain part of the Friends community, with the same benefits as Friend level.
Make your gift go further If you give more than €250 a year, and pay tax in Ireland, ICO can claim back tax you've already paid on your donation, at no extra cost to you. A gift of €500, for example, becomes worth €725 to ICO, an uplift of up to 45%. Supporting Friend, Principal Friend, and every level of the Patrons Circle all qualify. We'll post you a simple form after your donation, it takes less than a minute to complete.
Patrons Circle - a closer relationship
The Patrons Circle is for supporters who want a deeper relationship with Irish Chamber Orchestra. Benefits are meaningful, manageable, and consistently delivered.
Patron
€1,000 per year
Patron
€1,000 per year
- All Friend benefits, plus:
- Invitation to an open rehearsal.
- Four complimentary tickets per year,
- Enhanced recognition, named as Chair Sponsor Patron (replaces standard recognition),
- Informal meeting with an ICO musician at an event.
- Invitation to the annual Patrons Dinner with musicians and ICO leadership.
Leading Patron
€2,500 per year
Leading Patron
€2,500 per year
- All Chair Sponsor Patron benefits, plus:
- Six complimentary tickets per year.
- Invitation to an ICO Schools showcase concert or community performance.
- Personal annual update from ICO leadership.
- Prominent recognition in programme and website (replaces named recognition).
Principal Patron
€5,000+ per year
Principal Patron
€5,000+ per year
- All Leading Patron benefits, plus:
- Ten complimentary tickets per year.
- Private visit to an ICO project across performance, education or community work.
- First invitation to new season announcements and special events.
- Premier recognition in programme and website (replaces prominent recognition).
The Friends circle has nourished my love of music, has offered me new acquaintances and constantly opens my eyes and ears to new experiences. Music relaxes the soul and we all need that escape.
Held to the highest standard.
Irish Chamber Orchestra holds the Triple Lock Standard from Charities Institute Ireland, awarded to charities meeting the highest standards of transparency, governance and ethical fundraising. You can give with confidence: every euro is accounted for, and used as intended.
Not sure which level is right for you? Or want to discuss a fundraising idea?
Not sure which level is right for you? Or want to discuss a fundraising idea?
Get in touch and we'll help you find the right fit, whatever that looks like.
Please contact our CEO, Gerry Keenan. Gerard.Keenan@ul.ie or 087 254 2366
