The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland has been invited by Minister Heather Humphreys and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to officially open the Ireland 2016 State Commemorative Programme with a showcase performance at the Convention Centre Dublin on 1 January 2016.
2016 will mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, a key moment on Ireland’s path to independence. The Government has launched a wide-ranging and ambitious national commemorative initiative embracing an extensive programme of events.
The aim of the Centenary Programme is to remember 1916 in the full context of Ireland’s shared history and to honour the people whose courage and idealism inspired a nation. The Government is committed to respecting all traditions on this island equally, and also wishes to place children and young people at the centre of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
Following a meeting yesterday with Minister Humphreys and the Ireland 2016 organising group, it was decided that as the CBOI is an inspirational musical reflection of Ireland’s shared history and journey towards reconciliation, it would be most appropriate for the CBOI to launch the Ireland 2016 State Commemorations.
Having attended a CBOI Peace Proms concert in Dublin last February, the Minister said she holds the CBOI in high esteem and has great admiration for the work the CBOI has done to support Arts Education and promote peace and reconciliation throughout our island over the past 20 years.
This landmark event, which will be hosted by Minister Humphreys and performed before an audience 2,000 invited guests, will be recorded for national broadcast.
