The orchestra originated in the early 1960s when a group of musical enthusiasts in Ceoltoiri Craobh an Cheitinigh got together to perform classical music. From this the Dublin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) was established in 1967. The DSO celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2018.
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. The DSO has grown to be one of the leading non-professional orchestras in Dublin and the membership comprises of players from a variety of backgrounds, including pre-professional music students, music teachers as well as others who work full time in occupations totally unrelated to music. The DSO has played extensively in Dublin and in many venues throughout the country, often in conjunction with local music festivals.
For many years prior to the formation of the Contemporary Music Centre the DSO organised a Competition for Young Irish Composers, prize-winners included Roger Doyle, Gerald Barry, John Buckley and Raymond Deane. Our former patron was the internationally known Irish composer John Kinsella, and we have performed works by him on a number of occasions.
The DSO has made a particular contribution to the development of young musicians by providing numerous up and coming professional players and conductors with a platform to gain experience working with a symphony orchestra. Soloists who have joined us in the past to perform concertos include John O’Conor (piano), Suzanne Murphy (Soprano), Philip Martin (Piano), Ronan Tynan (Tenor), Finghin Collins (Piano), Anthony Byrne (Piano), Oonagh Keogh (Violin), Redmond O’Toole (Brahms Guitar), Elaine Clark (Violin), Roisin Walters (Violin), Ailbhe McDonagh (Cello) and Alexander Bernstein (piano), runner-up of the 10th Dublin International Piano Competition, Yue Tang (cello) and Niamh Caitriona O’Sullivan (Mezzo Soprano) to name but a few.
Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from September to June and we perform at least three concerts a year.
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