THE Irish Chamber Orchestra presents the first ever airing in Ireland of Karl Jenkins’ landmark Christmas choral work, Stella Natalis (Star of Birth) on Thursday December 15 in the concert hall. It will be conducted by Jaime Martín, principal conductor of the Cadaqués Orchestra. Also present are County Limerick Youth Choir and the National Chamber Choir for elements of this epic night.
This concert marks a milestone for the Limerick based ICO Chorus, the choir of 20 voices to share the concert platform for the first time with the orchestra. The choir is under the direction of Maire Keary Scanlon, an award winning choral master.
The ICO Chorus prides itself on variety, performing works such as Magnum Mysterium and Lux Aeterna by Morten Lauridsen alongside Joseph Jongen’s Sonata Eroica. The singers performed Beatus Vir by Monteverdi at the Hunt Museum last December. At the MBNA Limerick International Music in May, they performed complex works by Juan de Araujo and Francisco López Capillas alongside Eric Whitacre’s stunning work, When David Heard.
Enhancing this colourful line-up is the sublime German soprano Susanne Bernhard, along with a 28-piece orchestra that features Simon Menin and Andrea Vonk on trumpets. The ICO and three choirs blend the traditional with the contemporary while some terrific drumming and percussion propels the evening along.
Mozart’s Prague Symphony, profound and provocative, is full of Mozartian grace and freshness. It completes the programme.
Book concert tickets for Thursday 15, 8pm or see www.irishchamberorchestra.com
