Dear Friends,


The opening series of concerts of our 2008/2009 season showcase four of the greatest composers of the 18th century; Bach, Rameau, Telemann and Handel. I hope that you will join us as we breath new life into some of the greatest masterpieces from the baroque period including Handel’s Water Music and Bach’s first Brandenburg Concerto.

I am particularly looking forward to October, when we will perform a Shakespeare- themed programme featuring the music of Purcell and his contemporaries. We are delighted to be joined by Dutch Soprano Lenneke Ruiten, who has earned a reputation as one of the most talented vocalists of her generation.

Just before Christmas we will be returning to Ardee, which incidentally is the home of some of my ancestors! Now in its 5th year, the Ardee Baroque Festival has given us a unique opportunity to showcase some of the lesser known gems of the baroque repertoire. The A to Z of Baroque will see us exploring a wide spectrum of works from Albinoni to Zelenka.

I am also pleased to introduce the brilliant harpsichordist Gary Cooper who will direct our annual performance of Messiah which this year is co-presented with our close partners, the Resurgam chamber choir. The soloists are to include Kate Manley, Christopher Ainsley, James Oxley and Martin Robson.

The New Year brings a new adventure as I join IBOCS (the chamber soloists of the orchestra) in performing and recording a collection of 17th century music by Italian composers, including the extraordinary ”Capriccio Stravagante” by Carlo Farina. Written for the court in Dresden, this piece explores all the possible sounds violins can make, imitating cats, dogs, chickens, guitar, fife, hurdy gurdy, trumpet and bad church organists!

We have in store great things for summer 2009. Keep checking our website for future updates on the Irish Baroque Ochestra.

Monica Huggett,
Artistic Director