THIRTY talented young musicians from Limerick’s ICO Youth Orchestra will proudly represent Ireland at the prestigious World Orchestra Festival in Vienna, from July 9–14. Their participation highlights the transformative impact of the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s (ICO) education programmes, which continue to nurture talent and inspire youth across the city.
Under the baton of conductor Tamasine Anna Plowman, the ensemble will perform a powerful and ambitious programme, featuring works by Sam Perkin, Arthur Duff, Strauss, Holst, and Dvorák. Iconic venues include Vienna’s legendary City Hall, the House of Strauss, and the renowned Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
The World Orchestra Festival brings together young musicians from across the globe, offering an international platform where passion and potential take centre stage. As part of the experience, ICO Youth will also participate in masterclasses led by professors from Vienna’s University of Music and Performing Arts – a unique opportunity for growth, learning, and international exchange.
“This is transformational for the individuals, for the community, and for the future of Limerick,” said ICO CEO Gerry Keenan. “We are deeply grateful to the Ireland Funds, Creative Ireland, and all our supporters whose belief and generosity have made this journey possible.”
ICO Youth’s Vienna programme captures both emotion and grandeur – from the introspective beauty of Sam Perkin’s Beginnings, to the rich textures of Arthur Duff’s Irish Suite for Strings, the playful brilliance of Strauss’s polkas, and the dramatic scope of Holst’s Mars and Jupiter. The performance concludes with Dvorák’s New World Symphony, evoking themes of hope, belonging, and fresh horizons.
Founded and run by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, ICO Youth offers free orchestral training for musicians aged 11 to 24. The programme includes weekly rehearsals, individual tuition, and performance opportunities, with a diverse repertoire spanning classical, traditional Irish, pop, and world music. Members also gain valuable experience performing at community events across the region.
Tamasine Anna Plowman, a double bassist and violinist educated at Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, completed her MA in classical string performance at the University of Limerick.
As conductor and educator, she brings creative energy and professional insight to her role, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
