History

The orchestra originated in the early 1960's when a group of musical enthusiasts in Ceoltoiri Craobh an Cheitinigh got together to perform classical music. From this the Dublin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) in its present form was established in 1967. From its inception the Orchestra had the twin objectives of providing its members the opportunity to study and perform classical orchestral music and to stimulate the interest of youth in this area,the orchestra continues to follow these objectives.

Since its establishment, the orchestra has grown to be one of the leading non professional orchestras in Dublin. The membership comprises players from a variety of backgrounds, including pre-professional music students, professionals as well as other players who work in occupations outside of music.

In its early years the orchestra performed concerts in schools, bringing live music to young people whilst introducing them to the various orchestral instruments and fostering an appreciation of classical music.

The orchestra's repertoire covers a broad range of music from early works to newly commissioned pieces. For many years prior to the formation of the Contemporary Music Centre the DSO organised the Young Irish Composers' Competition with prize-winners including Roger Doyle, Gerald Barry, John Buckley and Raymond Deane. For a number of years the Orchestra has had a very close working relationship with the Spanish guitar soloist Agustin Maruri. More recently the orchestra has performed works by chief patron and member John Kinsella and in March 2005 performed 'Chorale' composed by Melanie Brown who is also a playing member of the DSO.

The orchestra performs concerts in Dublin and all over Ireland and has made a particular contribution to the development of young musicians by providing an opportunity to gain experience working with a full symphony orchestra. Soloists who have joined to perform concertos include John O'Conor (Piano), Suzanne Murphy (Soprano), Frank Patterson (Tenor), Philip Martin (Piano), Ronan Tynan (Tenor), Finghin Collins (Piano), Anthony Byrne (Piano), Gregory Harrington (Violin), Oonagh Keogh (Violin) to name but a few. The DSO is also proud to have given conductor Robert Houlihan a platform in his earlier years when he conducted concerts in both Dublin & Galway.

In recent years the Orchestra has thrived under the baton of Musical Director Fergus O'Carroll (principal horn with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland.) He sometimes performs horn concertos with the DSO. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the repertoire has assisted him in acting as concert presenter when the orchestra performs concerts featuring lighter classical material.