The Irish Baroque Orchestra has secured a grant of €22,000 from Culture Ireland to support an international tour of ‘Mr Charles the Hungarian - Handel’s Rival in Dublin’ in 2024. This is the largest grant secured from Culture Ireland by the IBO in its funding history.
First premièred at Dublin Castle in July 2023 on the opening night of Dublin HandelFest, ‘Mr Charles the Hungarian’ is the IBO’s latest Irish heritage programme under Artistic Director Peter Whelan.
Mr Charles was an eccentric character who travelled to Dublin in 1742, and attempted to make a fortune through putting on performances of Handel's music, while the composer himself was in the city. This programme reconstructs a concert given in Smock Alley Theatre in May 1742. It features Handel’s ‘Water Music' (Walsh arrangement), Overture to Il Pastor Fido and Concerto Grosso Op.3 No.3, as well as various curiosities showing the wealth of talent across the orchestra.
Commenting on the award, CEO Aliye Cornish Moore says “We are hugely grateful to Culture Ireland for supporting our tour with such a significant grant. The ‘Mr Charles’ programme riotously celebrates the kaleidoscope of musical activity in Dublin in the 1740s, showcased by the exceptional musicians of today’s IBO. We embrace the opportunity to show the world what Ireland’s classical music history has to offer, and we look forward to touring this programme to four prestigious venues and festivals in Summer 2024.”
Full details of the ‘Mr Charles the Hungarian’ tour will be announced in early 2024.
