Camerata Ireland

“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 centre of it all was pianist, arranger, and conductor, Barry Douglas, a musical titan whose energy is transmitted in life-affirming performances” - New York Concert Review

Camerata Ireland was founded in 1999 by internationally renowned pianist Barry Douglas in response to the historic Good Friday Agreement, with the first concerts taking place on consecutive days in April 1999 in Stormont Parliament Buildings and St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle. The aim of Camerata Ireland is to bring together the finest musicians from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to perform at home and internationally, and to promote the island on an international stage. In recognition of the exceptional nature and quality of its work, Camerata Ireland was awarded the Joint Patronage of Mary McAleese, President of Ireland and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2004.

Camerata has achieved an extraordinary amount in the last 25 years. At home, the orchestra hosts the annual Clandeboye Festival which takes place in August in the historic surroundings of the Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down. The Festival is a showcase for international soloists and the home of the Camerata Ireland Academy - a young artist mentoring programme with an impressive list of alumni. Since its formation, Camerata has toured the world to great critical acclaim. With Barry Douglas as Director and soloist, the orchestra has performed in North and South America, China, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Poland. Camerata made its Carnegie Hall debut in 2011 and performed at the BBC Proms in 2013. The orchestra has recorded the complete Beethoven Piano Concertos and the Triple Concerto with Barry Douglas for Satirino Records. In 2024, Camerata will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a major US tour - returning once again to Carnegie Hall - and further tours to China and Japan. The orchestra also performs regularly in the National Concert Hall, Dublin.

Camerata is grateful to its principal funders the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and to its global sponsors Randox Ltd for their ongoing support.