INTERNATIONAL TOURING
Since its formation in 1999, Camerata Ireland has travelled the world to wide critical acclaim, and pursued a rich and busy touring schedule, performing in prestigious locations and venues in North and South America, Russia, China and Europe. Notable international appearances have included performances at the Irish Festival of Arts and Culture in China in 2004, the 2006 International Beethoven Festival in Warsaw, the Smithsonian Festival in the US Library of Congress, the Naantali International Festival in Finland in 2007, the Festival de la Chaise- Dieu in France in 2008 and 2009, and multiple European Festivals over the years. Camerata Ireland was in also residence in Paris at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées over many years, with a programming focus on Mozart.
Following a hiatus in its touring programme due to the pandemic, the orchestra celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024 with a triumphant return to international touring, undertaking a tour to the US which included a return appearance in New York's Carnegie Hall, and a 3-week tour to China, where they performed in 11 major cities including the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing.
Camerata Ireland places a strong emphasis on supporting young musicians in the early stages of their professional careers, and, over the years, many former Camerata Ireland Academy young musicians have joined the orchestra for these prestigious international tours, which are often life-changing experiences.
PAST TOURS
CHINA TOUR 2024
Camerata Ireland rounded off their 25th anniversary celebrations with a 3-week tour to China in November 2024, promoted by Armstrong Music and supported by Culture Ireland. Showcasing music by Irish composers alongside works by Mozart and Tchaikovsky, the tour featured 11 concerts in major Chinese cities including Shanghai and Beijing. Among the orchestra members were 5 former Camerata Ireland Academy Young Musicians: Susanna Griffin (violin) Jamie Howe (viola), Samuel Kane (violin), Killian White (cello) & Phoebe White (violin). The orchestra was hosted by David Murphy, Consul General of Ireland, in Ireland House, Shanghai, and by the Irish Ambassador, Nicholas O'Brien at a reception in the Forbidden City Concert Hall, Beijing.
US TOUR 2024
In March 2024, Camerata Ireland embarked on a US tour, promoted by Sheldon Artists, with
performances in Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas VA, Carnegie Hall, NY and Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, NY. The concert programme showcased much-loved Classical music alongside traditional Irish arrangements and featured guest soloists Celine Byrne (soprano) and Eimear McGeown (Flute and Irish flute). The soloists also performed at a private event at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, where they were hosted by the Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason.
INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS
Camerata Ireland & Barry Douglas - Mumbai 2018
“And what can one say of the interpretation of the crowning glory of this cycle, the Emperor, one is used to hearing it played by a symphony orchestra of a size twice that of this group. But the inner detail and closer interaction that resulted from more economic resources was our gain.”
Fareed Curmally, Serenade Magazine 27 May, 2018
Camerata Ireland, Barry Douglas & Celine Byrne - US Tour 2015
“The program began with Rossini’s “La scala de seta” overture in a lively treatment that immediately displayed the impressive precision of the orchestra’s unison string playing.”
“Then we were treated to the singing of handsome lirico-spinto soprano Celine Byrne, whose dark- voweled voice production is warm and expressive, with bounteous volume and the ability to shade down to beguiling pianissimo.”
Louis Roney, Winter Park/Maitland Observer, 29 October 2015
Camerata Ireland, Barry Douglas & Celine Byrne - US Tour 2011
“Every now and then, amid the hectic New York concert season, there is an evening that reminds me how much I love my reviewing job; the chamber orchestra Camerata Ireland, on a US tour through March, provided just such an occasion last weekend in a perfectly magical concert that coupled Irish music with works by Mozart (a surprisingly winning combination). At the center of it all was pianist, arranger, and conductor, Barry Douglas, a musical titan whose energy is transmitted in life-affirming performances.”
“Mr. Douglas moved from the role of operatic conductor to that of piano soloist (conducting from the bench) in Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major, K. 488 (also composed in 1786). One of the best pianists I’ve seen in this dual role, Douglas drew perfect responsiveness from his orchestra. One marveled in the first movement at how clearly he projected his conception physically and musically so that there were no seams in the ensemble; one marveled perhaps more, though, at how he could create (while multi- tasking) a realm of utter introspection in the breathtaking Adagio. The final movement had just the right edge-of-the seat energy to leave the audience clamoring for more.”
New York Concert Review, 5 March 2011
“More Mozart was heard in a crisp and gripping performance of the Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major in which Douglas, a Tchaikovsky and Van Cliburn prize winner, led the orchestra from the piano, creating a stunning meshing of solo and orchestra lines."
"... the transparency of the orchestral texture was truly impressive, taking full advantage of the color and rhythmic bite a small orchestra can produce.”
Richard Storm, Herald-Tribune, 15 March 2011
Camerata Ireland & Barry Douglas - US Tour 2008
“What was immediately apparent was the beauty of sound, clarity of execution and inimitable style of this group. The biggest surprise was Douglas himself; as a pianist, he made his reputation in part as a bravura artist. It was no surprise to hear him excel as soloist with his own group. But pianists don't always make great conductors. Douglas is clearly the exception. His no nonsense technique clearly rivets the attention of his players, even when Douglas also is at the keyboard ... No one could be in any doubt that Camerata Ireland thoroughly delighted its audience.”
Melinda Bargreen, The Seattle Times, 25 March 2008
“Douglas and his players brought a program combining Mozart with three Russian composers to Seattle, and the results were delightful. The most striking aspect of [Douglas'] conducting was its sheer naturalness - it is as if he and his orchestra have achieved an effortless symbiosis.”
Bernard Jacobson, Musicweb International, 24th March 2008
“Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 14 showcased Douglas' riveting versatility. He is an eminently gifted musician with an easy charm and the charisma of a rock star. Watching him simultaneously conduct the orchestra and perform as a piano soloist has to be one the unique pleasures of the concert.”
“Elegant, charming and elegiac, it [Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C Major] read like an amalgam of intrinsic, breathless beauty that referenced Mozart’s grace with the soaring atmosphere of the Russian Romantics... this was the best part of the program and the orchestra played it to perfection.”
Frank Magiera, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 8th March 2008
Camerata Ireland & Barry Douglas - US Tour 2005
“The centerpiece and high point of this evening, however, was Douglas’ masterly performance of Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto, to which the ensemble contributed strongly. The work’s delicate balance between violence and gentleness was maintained throughout, the soloist bringing intensity, spontaneity and thoughtfulness to every familiar utterance”
Daniel Cariaga, Los Angeles Times, 7 November 2005