Church to rejoice as orchestra limbers up
The MBNA Limerick International Music Festival will run until Sunday, July 12 in the 19th century Franciscan Church in Henry Street.
The orchestra, based at the University of Limerick, feels that the Franciscan church may now become a second home located in the heart of the city.
John Kelly, chief executive of the ICO said: “Finding this venue and realising it had great potential to become a city centre venue for the ICO festival, is great for us and the city and it gives an opportunity for this venue to be used.
“It is a listed building. Limerick people have a long association with this church and it has been a very important place for them in their spiritual lives. I would say that people are delighted the building is being used by the ICO as a cultural venue.”
Acclaimed violinist, Jennifer Pike will perform tomorrow night and ICO artistic director Anthony Marwood will play violin with the ICO on Friday.
For the closing performance, the ICO will be joined by the National Chamber Choir for a performance, Haydn’s Final Masterpiece.
Ciara O’Sullivan, who is well-known for leading Stand Up and Fight at Munster games at Thomond Park, will be among the big name soloists in the festival.
Internationally acclaimed violinist, Anthony Marwood said: “The big change this year is that the focus of the festival is on the city, bringing the festival to the city. I think this is going to be amazing; it is going to be a wonderful space to perform in.”
8 irishchamberorchestra.com
