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The Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) has announced the departure of its longtime concertmaster Katherine Hunka, who has led the orchestra since 2002.
The London-born violinist is a Fellow of London’s Royal Academy of Music and studied with teachers including György Pauk and Mauricio Fuks. She has served as guest professor at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and teaches at both the Irish World Academy of Music and the Munster Technological University’s Cork School of Music. Hunka is a part of the Far Flung Trio, was formerly a member of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and has performed with ensembles including the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Manchester Camerata, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
The ICO recognised her musical contribution in a statement:
‘Since 2002, Katherine has been shaping performances with unmistakable warmth, charisma, and musical insight. A renowned soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist, her artistry has left an indelible mark on audiences and colleagues alike.’
Hunka will play her last concert with the ICO on 15 August at the Kilkenny Arts Festival, a night which will also mark violinist Henning Kraggerud’s debut as the ICO’s new artistic partner.
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