The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI)
Background
Founded in 1995, shortly after the announcement of a major ceasefire in Northern Ireland, the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) was created as a peace initiative with music at its heart. Based in Coláiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk, the Orchestra brings together over 100 exceptionally talented young musicians from across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
For over three decades, the CBOI has played a vital role in fostering cross-border and cross-community connections. Internationally recognised as a flagship peace-through-music programme, it continues to serve as a symbol of unity, hope, and reconciliation.
OUR MEMBERS
Every week, our CBOI musicians show what true dedication looks like. On Sundays during term time, many travel from Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Limerick, and counties across the island to rehearsals in Dundalk. Our members include Junior, GCSE, Leaving Cert and A-Level students, as well as university students who balance their commitment to the CBOI with demanding courses in medicine, law, psychology, education, languages, engineering, business, primary teaching, science, sports science, and more. Some combine classical music education with traditional music, and we are proud to have All-Ireland Champion musicians among our members. Many also excel beyond music: one current member represents Louth in athletics at a national level, and a recent member has earned an athletics scholarship to Texas A&M University.
Their achievements – musical, academic, and personal – are a testament not only to their own hard work but also to the unwavering support of their parents. Thank you to all the families who drive the long distances, rearrange schedules, encourage practice, and quietly make it possible for these young people to thrive. It is this commitment that helps shape them into the exceptional individuals they are.
Our members are living proof that the skills nurtured through music; discipline, creativity, problem-solving, memory, and teamwork, fuel success far beyond the concert hall. We are truly proud of them all.
Message from and orchestra member: I don’t even know where to begin. I joined CBOI as a little lost 13-year-old and within a year I had stepped on various stages around the country. Then you presented us with an opportunity that was unimaginable. All of a sudden dreams were starting to come true and we took to the stage of Carnegie Hall, New York. I will never forget that night and it will forever be one of my greatest achievements. The orchestra gave me so much more than amazing opportunities. I’ve made friends for life, I’ve travelled all over Ireland and abroad, I’ve gained so much confidence and hopefully become a better musician. You are an inspiration and I’ll never be able to thank you enough! I’ve had the best eight years! Of my life. Lots of love.
What We Do
Promoting Peace through Music
We believe music is a universal language – a powerful force for connection, healing, transformation, and hope. At the CBOI, music is the medium through which barriers dissolve and differences are embraced. It paves the way for empathy, reconciliation, and understanding. For more than 30 years, the CBOI has remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing peace and fostering unity. Through performance and community engagement across the island and beyond, we continue to inspire hope for a brighter, more harmonious future.
Orchestral Training & Performance Opportunities
The CBOI provides world-class orchestral training and performance experiences for young musicians. We’ve performed at many of the world’s most iconic venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, Chicago Symphony Hall, the Oriental Arts Centre in Shanghai, and the Culture Hall in Helsinki. In 2023, the CBOI marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement with a landmark sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall, New York, on St. Patrick’s Day.
Young Ambassadors for Ireland
The CBOI has proudly represented Ireland at significant national and international events. We have performed for President Michael D. Higgins and former Presidents of Ireland, as well as at major state and cultural events, including the Ireland 1916 Commemorations in Dublin, the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls in Rome, and the World Trade Expo in Shanghai where we were awarded ‘Most Outstanding International Performance.’ In April of 2023 the CBOI was honoured to collaborate with Blackrock Group on a very special event held at the Convention Centre Dublin. The event ‘Heroes and Healers’ paid tribute to all essential health care workers for their unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our musicians have also performed for King Charles III during his visit to Ireland in 2017, for President Obama at the White House in 2016, for President Biden in Carlingford and Dundalk in 2016 and 2023 respectively, and for the late Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in 2014.
International Tours
Message from Hugo O’Neill: “I could not have enjoyed more the concert by the Cross Border Orchestra at San Ignazio. You are a symbol of talent and of Irish proverbial generosity and fairness, and the concert was perhaps the most touching event of all which were staged for the celebrations. Hugh O’Neill will be kept alive in the hearts and minds of each one that crowded that huge and magnificent church. Sincere congratulations for your incredible work . I am yours, Hugo”
Count Us In & Dynamics – Free Music Lessons for Kids
The CBOI is a registered charity, dedicated to making music education accessible to all. Through our Count Us Inand Dynamics programmes, hundreds of children receive high-quality instrumental tuition and performance opportunities. Many of these young learners progress to join the CBOI. The CBOI was recently honoured with a National Rural Impact Award for this transformative work.
Peace Proms
The CBOI is perhaps best known for Peace Proms – a nationwide choral education and performance programme for primary schools. Every year, around 35,000 children from nearly 700 schoolsacross Ireland and Northern Ireland participate, forming Children’s Peace Choirs that perform in large-scale concerts with the Orchestra. Peace Proms promotes not only musical excellence but also values of peace, inclusion, and understanding among younger generations.
Message from an audience member: I was at the SSE arena last night for the Peace Proms. As soon as the show started, I was completely blown away and was fighting back the tears. The excellence of the musicians, the enthusiasm of the children and the vibrancy of the entire event was off the charts. The arrangements, the diversity and the song choices were all on point – and the sound was excellent too. The guy conducting is special – how he interacted with the kids, the musicians and the audience all resulted in an evening filled with a palpable joy and enthusiasm. I just wanted to say thank you!!! My wife and I were truly blessed to be there and my wee boy was absolutely buzzing. So again, thank you for your energy, creativity, passion and vision to do what you’re doing. Yours, Alistair
Our Music
The CBOI’s repertoire is a unique symphonic blend of traditional Irish and Ulster-Scots music, enriched by contemporary influences and tailored specifically for the Orchestra. We combine traditional instruments and dance with full symphonic orchestrations to create a rich, multi-layered musical experience that reflects the diverse cultural tapestry and complex history of our island. At the core of every performance is our message of peace delivered through the extraordinary talent of Ireland’s young musicians.
Our Collaborators
Peace Proms concerts also shine a spotlight on Ireland’s finest young musicians and soloists. Under the direction of internationally acclaimed conductor Maestro Greg Beardsell, and led by Dundalk’s Richie Dunne, the CBOI is joined by pipers, drummers, and dancers from across the island, delivering performances of remarkable energy, emotion, and spirit. Our collaborators are pipe bands and dance schools from across the island including Down Academy Pipes and Drums; Colmcille Pipes and Drums, Derry/Londonderry; Drumlough Pipe Band; Tralee Pipe s and Drums; Limerick Pipes and Drums; Letterkenny and District Pipe Band; Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance, Belfast; Dance Hall Academy, Swords; Magill School of Irish dance, Waterford; Scoil Uí Ruairc, Limerick. Band.
THE CROSS BORDER ORCHESTRA OF IRELAND
A brief history
Following the 1994 cease-fire by the IRA and Loyalist paramilitaries, the idea of forming a cross-border youth orchestra was proposed at St. Louis Secondary School, Dundalk, by teacher Sharon Treacy-Dunne. The aim was to build peace by uniting young people from different backgrounds through music, while also raising the profile of the school and contributing positively to the image of Dundalk—then often referred to as “El Paso.” Acting Principal Mr. Gerry Berrills strongly supported the initiative.
A collection of French and German string instruments purchased in the 1950s had fallen into disrepair, and after fundraising they were restored at a cost of £3,500 (Irish punts). Instrumental teachers were appointed, and around 40 St. Louis students began learning music.
The first cross-border link was with Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Newry, whose 40-strong brass and wind orchestra combined with the St. Louis string players. After contacting 219 Protestant schools in Northern Ireland, Wellington College, Belfast and Banbridge Academy joined the project. Despite logistical challenges and some parental opposition, the partnership grew, and by 1997 approximately 140 young people were involved.
In 1997, renowned Irish conductor Gearóid Grant joined the CBOI, working with the orchestra for 19 years. Through the European Socrates Programme, CBOI developed links with Kallio School of Performing Arts (Finland) and Zakladní Škola, Liberec (Czech Republic). Both choirs toured to Ireland, and 140 CBOI members later toured to Finland and the Czech Republic, performing Sibelius’ Iconic orchestral work ‘Finlandia’ in Helsinki’s Culture Hall.
In 2000, the Departments of Education North and South chose the CBOI as the centrepiece of their Millennium project “DOORS – Lifelong Learning.” The CBOI undertook a nationwide concert tour which saw them perform in most cities and towns across the island.
Cross-border and cross-community collaboration remained central. Between 2001–2002, new links with the South Ulster Youth Orchestra and Band brought participation to over 300 young musicians. To ensure no young person felt excluded on religious grounds, CBOI moved rehearsals from St. Louis to the Dundalk Institute of Technology, which also offered strong institutional support. The Department of Education granted full-time leave to Sharon Treacy-Dunne to manage the organisation. The first mini Peace Proms took place at DkIT at Christmas 2003, conducted by Prionnsias O Duinn.
In 2005, the CBOI opened membership to all young people on the island of Ireland and sought new cross-community links. After nearly a year of negotiations assisted by the North South Ministerial Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and key political figures, the CBOI established a partnership with the bagpipers, drummers, and Lambeg drummers of Altnaveigh House – a community deeply marked by the 1922 Altnaveigh Massacre. The CBOI commissioned five works highlighting Protestant musical culture, all premiered at Dublin Castle in a concert hosted by Minister Dermot Ahern.
Between 2008 and 2010, the CBOI collaborated successfully with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (NI Branch), and in 2010 formed lasting links with the Colmcille Pipe and Drum Corps (Derry/Londonderry) and the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance (Belfast).
Meanwhile Peace Proms continued to expand. In 2007, engagement with former UDA members helped involve children from Unionist communities, leading to a major performance at the Waterfront Hall., Belfast (Below). By 2009, 1,600 children from Northern Ireland were taking part, and the Department of Education (NI) issued an endorsement to all participating schools.
Peace Proms quickly became an essential musical and cultural education programme.
Today, more than 700 schools and 35,000 children, including around 6,000 from Northern Ireland (with a 50/50 Catholic–Protestant balance), take part in Peace Proms annually. The CBOI now performs in major arenas across Ireland and the UK, including Belfast, Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford.
The CBOI’s historical cross-community links
1995 – St. Louis Girls’ School, Dundalk; Abbey Grammar, Newry; Banbridge Academy; Wellington College Belfast.
2001 – CBOI & South Ulster Youth Orchestra and Band
2003 – Peace Proms established
2006 – CBOI & Altnaveigh House, Newry
2008 – CBOI & Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (NI)
2010 – CBOI & Colmcille Pipe and Drum Corps; Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance
2010 –Ulster Scots Agency
Now – Pipe bands and dance schools from across the island including Down Academy Pipes and Drums; Colmcille Pipes and Drums, Derry/Londonderry; Tralee Pipe s and Drums; Limerick Pipes and Drums; Letterkenny and District Pipe Band; Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance, Belfast; Dance Hall Academy, Swords; Magill School of Irish dance, Waterford; Scoil UíRuairc, Limerick.
Now – 150+ NI primary schools; over 6,000 Catholic and Protestant children annually
The CBOI’s international tours
1996 – UK (British Federation of Music Festivals Anniversary, Warwick)
1998 – Czech Republic
2000 – Finland
2002 & 2004 – California (two 8-city tours)
2005 – Carnegie Hall & Boston Symphony Hall
2007 – Chicago Symphony Hall & Boston Symphony Hall
2008 – Rome (Flight of the Earls 400th Anniversary)
2009 – Lincoln Center, New York
2010 – World Expo, Shanghai
2012 – Royal Albert Hall
2014 – Carnegie Hall
2016 – The White House (Ensemble)
2023 – Carnegie Hall, St. Patrick’s Day in celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday agreement.
Our Gratitude
We are deeply grateful to the Goodman Foundation for their unwavering support, and to our partners including Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB), the Arts Council of Ireland, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Department of Education and Skills, Medilink Ambulance Service, and our dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. Your generosity enables us to share the transformative power of music with children, families, schools, and communities across the world.
Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters
Government sponsors
Arts Council of Ireland
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Department of Education and Skills
Cllr John Reilly, Louth County Council
Corporate sponsors
Goodman Foundation
MEDILINK – Ambulance Service
CBOI benefit in kind sponsors
Coláiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk
Louth Meath Education and Training Board
Special thanks to our CBOI Directors
Jim D’Arcy, Susan Forde, Paul O’Callaghan. Board of Directors Ireland
Gerry Berrills. Hon. Director, Ireland
Dr. Ciarán Grant and Orla Maguire. Co-Chairs, Board of Directors, New York