The Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) is considered by many to be the premier ensemble in Ireland and one of the finest Chamber Orchestras in the world. This reputation has kept the orchestra in high demand, both nationally and internationally, and has helped the orchestra to attract world class musicians. The experience these musicians have of performing in some of the world’s best concert halls has given the members of the ICO a fine appreciation of the importance of a good acoustic environment to the enjoyment of their performances.

Based in the University of Limerick since 1995, when it joined the World Academy of Music and Dance at the invitation of Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, the ICO has performed in many venues throughout Ireland and the world over the last 30 years. The orchestra first became a client of AWN Consulting in 2005 when developing its bespoke rehearsal space on the University of Limerick campus. Since then AWN has worked closely with the ICO, providing acoustic design advice on a variety of projects, developing in the process a clear understanding of the acoustic requirements of the orchestra.

This paper presents case studies of the two highest profile projects that AWN and the ICO have collaborated on together, demonstrating the key acoustic requirements that the orchestra has and how these requirements have been met through comprehensive acoustic design.