WHAT'S ON
2023
Handel 'Messiah'
Director Peter Whelan | Soloists Hilary Cronin, Helen Charlston, Mark Chambers, Anthony Gregory, Frederick Long & Edward Grint
In partnership with the Wigmore Hall and Culture Ireland
The Irish Baroque Orchestra makes its Wigmore Hall debut with Handel’s ‘Messiah; the Dublin premiére of which was a defining moment in Ireland’s cultural history. With step-out solos taken by members of a specially-assembled lineup of stellar singers, this is sure to be a rendering of Messiah unlike any other.
‘Emotional Motivations - from Buxtehude to Bach’
Director John Butt | Tenor Hugo Hymas | Flute Miriam Kaczor | Oboe Emma Black
In partnership with Music in Kilkenny and the National Concert Hall's Associate Ensemble programme
The IBO welcomes renowned director, organist and musicologist John Butt and rising star Hugo Hymas for a programme exploring deep emotion in the German Baroque. Works by Bach and Buxtehude showcase the emotional implications of textual expression, combined with their mastery of rich harmonies and dark textures. ‘Emotional Motivations’ offers the opportunity for audiences to be transported and inspired, through deep and reflective calm.
May 13 National Concert Hall, Dublin, 7.30pm
May 14 The Concert Hall, Thomastown, 4pm
Buxtehude Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele (BuxWV 71), Hoffmann/Bach Meine Seele rühmt und preist (BWV 189), Buxtehude Quemadmodum Desiderat Cervus (BuxWV 92), Bach Ich Armer Mensch, Ich Sündenknecht (BWV 55)
‘Quintessential’
Director Tom Foster
In partnership with the National Centre for Early Music (Beverley Early Music Festival) and Culture Ireland
The IBO visits the Beverley Early Music Festival for the first time, with guest director Tom Foster. ‘Quintessential’ explores music from Central Europe, where composers were inspired by use of the 5-part string band (an inheritance from the rich sound world of Lully’s writing). This developed with fashionable new harmonic frameworks from Italy, with Corelli’s influence clearly in evidence. This performance creates a journey that sets dark and sombre moments alongside exuberant virtuosity - be transported back in time by 300 years with the musicians of the IBO!
May 28 Toll Gavel Church, Beverley, Yorkshire
Muffat Sonata No.2 in G minor and Sonata No.5 in G major from Armonico Tributo, Biber Sonata III in d minor from Fidicinium sacro, Telemann Sonata in F major TWV 44:11, Weichlein Sonata VI in F major from Encænia musices
“Where shall I fly?”
Director Peter Whelan | Mezzo-Soprano Paula Murrihy
In partnership with Blackwater Valley Opera Festival
The phenomenal Irish mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy joins the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Peter Whelan for a return to beautiful Co. Waterford in June, at the invitation of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. A vibrant programme of Handel arias is sure to create musical fireworks, in the stunning setting of Dromore Yard with panoramic views across the Blackwater Valley.
June 5 Dromore Yard, Co. Waterford
Handel Overture & Ombra mai fu from ‘Serse/Xerxes’, Scherza Infida & Dopo Notte from ‘Ariodante’, Where Shall I Fly & There in Myrtle Shade Reclined from Hercules plus selected Concerti Grossi by Handel and Geminiani.
Dublin HandelFest 2023
Presented in partnership with the Office of Public Works
With support from Dublin City Council and the Royal Irish Academy of Music
The annual Dublin HandelFest celebrates the rich cultural legacy left by Handel’s visit to the city in 1741-1742. Join us for performances by Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, Claire Duff, Malcolm Proud, the IBO Apprentices and Pablo FitzGerald. Dublin HandelFest 2023 also offers two insightful walking tours taking intrepid explorers back to Handel’s Dublin, and children have the opportunity to find out what happens when you cross a giraffe with a guitar.
Full festival details will be released in the late Spring.
Festival dates 2023: July 14 - 16
The Irish Baroque Orchestra's Spring/Summer season 2023 is supported by Arts Council Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon from whom the IBO receives principal funding.
Images © Miriam Kaczor ('The Marvel') & Frances Marshall (St Matthew Passion and Handel's 'Messiah')