THE University of Limerick Orchestra presents its much-anticipated Summer Prom 2025, taking place this Saturday May 10 at 7.30pm at University Concert Hall. A highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, the concert promises an evening of rich orchestral colour, emotional depth, and thrilling virtuosity, conducted by the acclaimed Michael Dooley.
This year’s programme features a particularly special guest: Emma Downes, a gifted violinist and native of Limerick, who will return to her hometown stage to perform one of the most beloved and technically demanding works in the violin repertoire—Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major. Renowned for her expressive artistry and dazzling technique, Emma’s appearance is set to be a standout moment in what promises to be a memorable evening.
The concert opens with the dramatic Overture from Prince Igor by Russian composer Alexander Borodin—a work brimming with bold themes and evocative harmonies, setting the stage for a night of musical storytelling.
Rounding off the evening is a sweeping performance of Bizet’s Carmen Suites Nos. 1 and 2, drawn from the composer’s iconic opera. These suites encapsulate the passion and drama of Carmen, featuring some of opera’s most enduring melodies—from the fiery Aragonaise and haunting Habanera, to the rousing Toreador Song.
With a programme that explores the full emotional spectrum of 19th-century Romanticism, Summer Prom 2025 offers something for everyone—from seasoned classical music enthusiasts to newcomers eager to experience the power of live orchestral music. The concert also shines a light on the outstanding musical talent nurtured both in Limerick and within the wider university community.
Tickets are just €15 and can be booked through the University Concert Hall website at www.uch.ie.
