Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra

The Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra was established in 2016 in honour of Professor Aloys Fleischmann of UCC, a highly influential figure in Irish music. Professor Fleischmann was instrumental in the formation of numerous organisations that significantly impacted the development of music and music education in Ireland. His founding of the Cork Symphony Orchestra in 1934, which he conducted until his passing in 1992, was pivotal to the growth of orchestral music outside Dublin.

Continuing this legacy with the support of the Fleischmann family, the current orchestra, under conductor Keith Pascoe, has presented numerous highly acclaimed concerts. In addition to performing traditional orchestral repertoire, the orchestra aims to showcase young emerging talent, bring international soloists to Cork audiences, and promote new compositions for orchestra. Notable collaborations include working with young Cork soloists such as Mairead Hickey, Kevin Jansson, Louise Sullivan, and Yseult Cooper Stockdale, as well as international artists including Tasmin Little, Michael McHale, Artur Pizzaro, and Patrick Rafter. The orchestra has also performed new works, including Ian Wilson’s Variations on the Name of Fleischmann, and in May 2024, presented Barry Russell’s re-orchestration of Fauré's Requiem with soloists Fiona O'Reilly and Owen Gilhooley, in collaboration with the choir of St. Mary's Dominican Church.

Committed to bringing music to the community, the orchestra has performed at open-air concerts, including Fleischmann in the Glen during the 2017 Cork Midsummer Festival. In November 2023, they were honoured to perform at the Lord Mayor’s Remember and Renew Gala Concert, marking the finale of the Decade of Centenary Celebrations in Cork.

The orchestra is delighted to have been invited to open the 2025 Cork International Choral Festival in collaboration with the Guinness Choir and East Cork Choral Society.