THE Irish Chamber Orchestra and renowned conductor Jörg Widmann have released Invitation, a new album celebrating their ten-year creative partnership with works by Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Schumann.
The recording, the ICO’s first with Dutch classical label PENTATONE, features Mozart’s C minor Serenade for Winds, Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 8, and Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo and Finale. Widmann, who performs clarinet on the Mozart piece, brings his distinctive interpretative approach to each work, drawing out the interplay between the orchestra’s accomplished wind and string sections.
The album marks a significant milestone for the Limerick-based ensemble, capturing the artistic achievements of Widmann’s tenure as Principal Conductor and Artistic Director. Though Widmann has now moved to pursue new projects, he remains closely connected with the ICO.
“Working with Jörg during this highly productive and pivotal time for the ICO was a privilege,” said ICO chief executive Gerard Keenan. “His artistry, vision, and international standing opened doors and expanded our horizons. This sixth album together celebrates the extraordinary music-making we achieved and the ambition that defines the orchestra.”
Widmann described the recording as fulfilling “a heartfelt wish” to preserve special musical moments from the collaboration. “May the spirit of friendship and the joy of our shared music-making carry over to you, our listeners,” he said.
The album showcases the ICO’s expressive range, from the contrapuntal precision of Mozart’s serenade to the buoyant energy of Mendelssohn’s string symphony and the rhythmic vitality of Schumann’s orchestral work. The recording highlights the ensemble’s finely tuned playing and the distinctive qualities Widmann brought to the partnership.