Thank You for the Music

A Decade Long Philanthropic Partnership

The Irish Chamber Orchestra on the World Stage

An Orchestra of 30 players in a grand opera house style setting. They are standing on a stage holding instruments against a backdrop of organ pipes and two chandeliers. These are young members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra on a trip of a lifetime to Vienna
Young members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra after the performance of a lifetime in Vienna – for many their musical journey made possible by Irish Philanthropy.

World Stage

 

Last July, thirty young musicians from Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) Youth travelled to Vienna to compete at the World Festival. They performed at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, one of the world’s most prestigious concert venues. They brought home three awards.

But the real story is where they started.

Most of these young people began their musical journey in ICO Schools, a free music programme delivered in two DEIS1 primary schools in Limerick City. Twice a week, 450 children receive violin, viola, cello and singing lessons as part of their normal school day. Many live in areas where music education would otherwise be out of reach.

For many of these young musicians, it was their first time outside Ireland. For some, their first time on a plane.

One parent told us: “He was so happy when he returned from Vienna. His teacher has praised how confident he has gotten from all the opportunities with ICO Youth.”

Another young person in the group has complex additional needs. For them, ICO Youth is the only constant in their life. Their tribe. Their community.

This pathway took eighteen years to build. Thousands of children in Limerick have taken their first steps in music since it began. The journey from classroom to concert hall is only possible through sustained philanthropic support.

Three young musicians on stage. They seem to be part of an orchestra. Two have their backs to the camera while a third is playing a violin., They are set against a black backdrop. These are members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

Nurturing Talent

 

Gerard Keenan, Chief Executive Officer of Irish Chamber Orchestra said:

“This is transformational for the individuals, for the community, and for the future of Limerick.

Irish Chamber Orchestra extends deep gratitude to our Friends and Sponsors whose belief and generosity have made this extraordinary journey possible.

We remain committed to nurturing talent, inspiring hope, and creating pathways where young people can dream boldly and shine brilliantly.”

When they move to secondary school, they can continue through free tuition in five inner-city schools. For those who develop a passion, they progress to ICO Youth, an inclusive chamber orchestra for 12 to 24 year olds. Currently, 72% of members come through the schools pathway.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added:

“Everyone needs the joy, passion and colour of the Arts in their lives. We have long believed that access to arts is an equality issue, as well as the power of creativity to bring about positive lasting change.

The Community Foundation partnership with the Irish Chamber Orchestra is a long-standing one, going back a decade. Together with other philanthropic partners we recognise through the programmes and community reach out that young lives are being transformed. New talents discovered. New Opportunities opened. This is the power of Irish Philanthropy.”

Join Our Mission

 

If you are interested in supporting the arts, or any part of our equality mission for people, place and planet then please visit our Strategic Giving Page.