Irish Chamber Orchestra to move to €3m campus studio

THE Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) based at the University of Limerick is preparing to move into a new €3.4 million studio building, on campus, later this month.

Since the orchestra’s relocation to Limerick in 1995, it has been orchestra-in-residence at the university.

A spokesperson said: “Over this time it became clear that a dedicated building with rehearsal /recording studio and office space for the orchestra’s administration would offer the ICO freedom and flexibility to develop not only its artistic policy but its education and outreach activities.”

A partnership with UL has now allowed the orchestra realise its dream.

With financial support from the Department of Arts, UL, Limerick City and County Councils and other private donations the ICO work commenced last year on its new home.

The spokesperson said: “The new studio provides rehearsal and recording facilities for the orchestra and allows it to expand its education remit, enabling schoolchildren and other members of the outreach community to come and work with the orchestra on an ongoing basis.

“It is a unique resource for orchestra, campus and the wider community.”

At the hub is a double-height 300-square-metre rehearsal studio with soloist and conductor rehearsal rooms, instrument store room, musicians’ common room and, upstairs, spacious office accommodation for the ICO’s administrative team.