What We Do
We Play For You
We’re the orchestra that invites you in. That saves you a seat. That wants you to feel the same heart-stirring, hair-raising, on-the-edge-of-your-seat feelings that we feel. We do so by pouring heart, soul, and no small measure of skill into our art. By playing old, by playing new, by playing everything with guts and fire.
You’ll find us each season in Limerick and Dublin, touring regularly in the far corners of Ireland, as well as at some of the most prestigious halls in the world. From playing the classics, to performing with theatres, operas, DJs, or dance companies, we forge new pathways to bring you unforgettable experiences, whoever you are, wherever you are.
We are not afraid to push the boundaries of classical music. Since joining us as Principal Conductor and Artistic Partner in August 2025, Henning Kraggerud has brought a fresh warmth and an adventurous spirit to our work, championing artistic diversity and placing emotional connection at the heart of every performance. His inclusive vision is reshaping our repertoire, inspiring bold new commissions from some of Ireland’s finest composers and offering vibrant, human-centred interpretations of the classics.
Most importantly, we believe that music is for everyone. We are a registered charity, delivering a series of successful community engagement programmes alongside our core work. After 18 years, our ICO Schools initiative continues to provide valuable free music lessons to children and young people in Limerick City while our ICO Youth provides an orchestral platform for teenagers. We are also deeply immersed in the MA Classical Strings Programme at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, where we are proud to be orchestra-in-residence.
It's our rich creative musical heritage that inspires us. It's our unstoppable enthusiasm for what we do, and the people we do it with. As Ireland's national chamber orchestra, we are lucky to call the University of Limerick home and are funded by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
Whether it's your first time or your hundredth time, we are the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and you are in for a treat.
