JOIN IRELAND PREMIER YOUTH ORCHESTRA FOR THE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME: The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) is now accepting applications for membership The CBOI provides exceptional performance opportunities for young people, coupled with orchestral training which is second to none. If you are a young musician between the ages of 13 and 24 years, who is passionate about music, and wants to work with like-minded young people, now is your chance to become part of one of Ireland’s leading cultural initiatives. Click this link for Terms & Conditions of Membership, including costs
START DATE: Our non-residential Summer workshop is from Mon 27th July to Friday 31st July 2026 in Coláiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday 19th June 2026
OPPORTUNITIES: CBOI members get the incredible opportunity to tour internationally and perform in our Peace Proms Arena Tour each Spring. This involves up to 18 concerts across Ireland and Northern Ireland with audiences in excess of 60,000 people. Concerts take place in iconic arenas including the SSE Arena, Belfast; the Simmonscourt Arena, RDS, Dublin; Limerick University Sports Arena; and SETU Arena, Waterford Arena.
CBOI members get the opportunity to perform to professional concert-orchestra standard, and work with leading conductors and professional musician. who coach members during workshops.
REQUIREMENTS: The CBOI accepts members from every county in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants should be between 13 and 24years.
Minimum standard requirement
- 1st Violin, 1st Flute, 1st Trumpet, 1st Trombone – Grade 8 with distinction from ABRSM
- 2nd Violin, 2nd Flute, 2nd Trumpet, 2nd Trombone, 1st Clarinet – Grade 7 with merit from ABRSM (Grade 8 with honours from RIAM)
- 3rd Violin, 3rd Trumpet, 3rd Trombone, 2nd Clarinet – Grade 5 with merit from ABRSM (Grade 6 with honours from RIAM) – Grade 5 with merit from ABRSM (Grade 6 with honours from RIAM)
- Harp – Grade 5 with merit from ABRSM (Grade 6 with honours from RIAM)
- Piano – Grade 8 with distinction from ABRSM
- *CBOI reserves the right to make exceptions to minimum standard requirement. Exam results from the Trinity
REHEARSALS: Rehearsals take place on 3 Sundays per month from August to January, in Coláiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk.
CONCERTS: Concerts take place at weekends from January to March. Commitment is a key requirement. CBOI is in recess from mid-March until August to facilitate members taking school & college exams. Minimum standard required, full terms and conditions, provisional rehearsal and performance schedule on our website www.peaceproms.com
START PREPARING YOUR VIDEO AUDITION: Applicants will be required to submit a video audition. For your audition, you should prepare two contrasting pieces (preferably of contrasting tempo) at the appropriate level e.g. If you are auditioning for 1st Violins, you should play two Grade 8 pieces.
