Ireland’s foremost philanthropists, socialites, business, government and artistic community turned out in strength at a Launch Event, hosted by American Ambassador Tom Foley, in celebration of the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra’s (DPO’s) announcement of a major 49 city coast-to-coast tour of the United States .  The Event, which took place at the Ambassador’s Phoenix Park Residence, was held in support of the DPO’s efforts to galvanise further support to that already invested in the tour by Columbia Artists Management Inc. (CAMI), the world’s leading classical music management firm.  The success of the tour will allow the Orchestra to take its place amongst the other iconic touring Philharmonic Orchestras of the world, such as the New York , Vienna and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.

For several invitees who have a deep interest in the Irish Music and Arts scene, this official launch of the Orchestra’s international profile and status as Ireland ’s premier touring Philharmonic Orchestra, is a most exciting development.  The US Tour, which commences in January 2009, is the first in a series of high-profile concerts for the Orchestra and represents the perfect platform upon which to introduce and present Irish symphonic music abroad.

With the involvement of such high-profile Irish artists as Colman Pearce, Cora Venus Lunny, Peter Tuite, Conor Linehan, Regina Nathan and Frankie Gavin, amongst others, in the venture, the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra’s schedule of performances is already attracting attention within classical and contemporary symphonic music circles.  Ahead of its U.S. tour, and in alliance with Amnesty International, the Orchestra will also participate in the much-anticipated 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Signing of the Bill of Human Rights with a concert at the National Concert Hall on November 4th, among other engagements.  Later in 2010/2011, the Orchestra has been offered touring engagements in China and South America, as well as concerts at the finest concert halls and festivals of Europe beginning in 2009.

Speaking at the Launch Event, Mr. Derek Gleeson, Music Director and Conductor with the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra, said; “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the American Ambassador, Mr. Tom Foley, for his generous support in hosting this launch event for this incredible opportunity for both Irish music and musicians alike.  Ireland ’s musical heritage is admired the world over and I am very proud to be in a position whereby we can now present our musical interpretations and finest performers on a world-wide scale and to a global audience.  None of this would be possible without the patronage of a wide range of munificent individuals and businesses, and it is our sincere hope that we will continue to add to our family of supporters.”

American Ambassador, Tom Foley, said; “It is an honour to receive each of you here tonight and to lend our support to the ongoing development of Ireland ’s Philharmonic Orchestral activities.  I understand that the US tour will deliver the DPO’s inspiring programme to 88,000 individuals – a major achievement in itself.  The fact that this tour is merely the launching point for a number of world-wide engagements illustrates the scope of the Orchestra’s ambitious programme.  I wish Mr. Gleeson and the entire Orchestral group all the very best with the project.  I have no doubt but that this Orchestra will represent Ireland ’s musical heritage and talents to the highest of world performance standards.”

Other guests enjoying the Launch Event included Kingsley Aiken; Yona and Oliver Caffrey; Mary Finan and Ib Jorgensen; Elaine and Paul Monahan; Kieran McLoughin and Dermod Dwyer.