RTÉ Performing Groups

RTÉ Performing Groups was a performance group, operating over many decades, of five classical ensembles that were part of the Irish broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ). All but the string quartet (originally the Vanbrugh Quartet, the ConTempo Quartet from 2013) are based in Dublin (the ConTempo had a Galway base, Vanbrugh were based in Cork). In January 2022, three of the member groups were moved from RTÉ to aegis of the National Concert Hall by the Irish government. RTÉ continues to host the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

RTÉ Performing Groups
Background information
Also known asRTÉ Orchestras, Quartet & Choirs
OriginDublin, Cork
GenresClassical, Choral, Symphonic, Jazz, Operatic, Contemporary
Occupation(s)Orchestra, choir, string quartet
Years active1948–present
LabelsNaxos Records
MembersRTÉ Concert Orchestra
Past members
Websiteorchestras.rte.ie

Structure

The RTÉ Performing Groups were made up of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, a string quartet (under contract the ConTempo Quartet, previously the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet), the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir and the children's choir, RTÉ Cór na nÓg, until January 2022. The five groups presented over 250 events annually, including live performances and work in education. The groups were largely funded by licence fee revenue[1][2] and reported a 2018 income of €15 million.[3] In 2018, the two orchestras celebrated 70 years in existence.

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, with conductor David Brophy.

Between the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, a total of 134 professional musicians are employed. The RTÉ Philharmonic Choir and the children's choiry, RTÉ Cór na nÓg, are for singers at an amateur level. Presently, approximately 200 adults and children are incorporated in the choirs.

The five groups play approximately two concerts a week, a number which can increase at certain times of year, and present up to 250 events every year, most of these being live concerts. Most of these performances take place in Dublin, mostly in the National Concert Hall but some in The Helix and the National Gallery of Ireland. There is a variety of high-end classical music with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet to RTÉ Concert Orchestra concerts in the fields of jazz and big band, classical crossover, rock music, Irish traditional music, cabaret, multimedia events, family concerts and more.

High-profile Irish and international artists who have appeared with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra include Han-Na Chang, Louis Lortie and Ann Murray, while acclaimed guests in the orchestra's history included Sir John Barbirolli, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Joan Sutherland and Mstislav Rostropovich. RTÉ Concert Orchestra guests have included Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras and Kiri Te Kanawa, and more recently Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, Duke Special, Ute Lemper and Katherine Jenkins.

In 2007, all groups featured on a stamp.[4] One million stamps were printed.[5]

Groups with RTÉ

RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Main article: RTÉ Concert Orchestra

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra is the other of the two full-time professional orchestras in Ireland that are part of RTÉ. Since its formation as the Radio Éireann Light Orchestra in 1948, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, has grown from a small studio-based recording group to become an active 45-strong orchestra performing over eighty concerts annually.

Groups now with the NCH

National Symphony Orchestra
Main article: National Symphony Orchestra (Ireland)

The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra is the concert music orchestra of Radio Telefís Éireann. It has been considered one of Europe's major symphony orchestras. It is the primary symphony orchestra of Dublin and is the leading orchestra of Ireland. Jaime Martín is the Chief Conductor.

RTÉ Philharmonic Choir
The RTÉ Philharmonic Choir
Main article: RTÉ Philharmonic Choir

The RTÉ Philharmonic Choir is RTÉ's main choir. The Choir has been at the centre of choral music in Ireland since its foundation by Colin Mawby in 1985 following the introduction of new choral policy. This 140 strong choir is the country's premier symphonic choral ensemble and has performed more than 52 of the major choral works since its foundation, mostly in conjunction with the RTÉ orchestras. Its conductor is Mark Hindley.

RTÉ Cór na nÓg
Main article: RTÉ Cór na nÓg

The RTÉ Cór na nÓg was founded in 1987 and consists of 65 specially-selected children between the ages of 9 and 14 directed by conductor Máire Mannion. Regular performances are made in Dublin (such as the National Concert Hall) and in other counties.

Other groups

RTÉ ConTempo Quartet
Main article: ConTempo Quartet

RTÉ ConTempo Quartet (Bogdan Sofei, Ingrid Nicola - violins; Andreea Banciu - viola; Adrian Mantu - cello) was the resident string quartet to RTÉ from 2013 to 2022, and are Ensemble in residence to The Galway Music Residency since 2003, and former the Quartet in Residence to Royal Academy of Music, London. The RTÉ ConTempo Quartet won a world record of 14 International Prizes including London International String Quartet Competition and is one of Europe's most successful quartets, internationally recognised for its beauty of sound, clarity of texture and integrity of interpretation within an unusually wide and varied range of repertoire.

References
  1. "RTÉ Performing Groups". RTÉ. Retrieved 18 April 2009.
  2. "Culture Ireland" (PDF). Culture Ireland. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2009.
  3. "2018 Annual Report" (PDF). RTÉ News.
  4. "RTÉ Performing Groups Stamps". An Post. Retrieved 18 April 2009.
  5. "An Post issues set of five new stamps". The Irish Times. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
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