THE first Irish Chamber Orchestra of 2012 at UCH on Thursday 9 premiers John Kinsella’s Tenth Symphony, a new work dedicated to the ICO and its head, John Kelly.
Kinsella wrote his Tenth Symphony following a period of listening to new orchestral music from Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Australia.  It is in three parts as opposed to movements, and contrasts sharply with his previous work Cuchulainn and Ferdia, 2008 which used a large orchestra. “For this symphony such a large orchestra would have been inappropriate and the decision to reduce the scoring right down to double wind, two horns, two trumpets and timpani, once made, became a stimulus in itself”, says the composer, former head of Music at RTE.
From new to old for the ICO’s other symphony on February 9, 8pm.
“Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony is a fine example of the composer’s good-natured humour,” says the orchestra’s Charlotte Eglington. “Beethoven turned temporarily from the vast expanse and stormy emotions of his Eroica and Fifth Symphonies to a more reserved, classical expression which is ebullient, witty and considered to be one of his most delightful creations”.
Hit for UCH for these and other compositions.