Dear Ms. Treacy-Dunne, recently I had the privilege to attend the Peace Proms at the RDS in Dublin, in which my granddaughter Alexandria was singing with her school, Divine Mercy NS Balgaddy, Lucan Sth. It was the most wonderful nights entertainment and enjoyment that I have ever experienced.

Congratulations and continued success to all involved. There can be no substitute for live music and singing. Perhaps attendance could be made compulsory for all children so that they can experience the joy of live music!

Many, many thanks and continued success to you.

Alex Byrne, Balgaddy, Lucan Sth., Co. Dublin

 

Congratulations on an outstanding show yesterday in Belfast! Our Dromiskin choir has been taking part in your concerts since 2005, and I think the Odyssey Peace Proms was the best ever! It was a marvelous venue, and both the CBOI and Odyssey staff couldnt have been more helpful. Keeping the children in their seats with their belongings worked out really well, and handing them back to their parents after the show was much easier because of the numbered doors. The choice of songs was excellent, and the variety the whole way through kept our pupils thoroughly involved. Each year brings even more new ideas, and this year we loved having the choreography with Deirdre online, as well as the links to the music sites on the CBOI newsletter which helped the children to get to know the instruments in advance. Your orchestra is going from strength to strength – you must be so proud of all you have achieved! Pat Mulligan has put up a nice piece with photos on our school website, and the feedback from parents has been hugely positive.

Congratulations again to you all, Sharon, and thank you so much for giving us such great opportunities and wonderful memories!

Michele

 

What an amazing day for all of us in Ballybryan N.S.!!! It is difficult to describe the joy and pleasure derived by pupils, teachers and parents alike!! Everyone is still talking about it. Thanks so much for the opportunity to partake: the pupils really didn`t know what to expect and were bowled over by the orchestra, dancers, pipers, singers and particularly the violinist!! Géaróid is a joy to watch at his art and the children were mesmerised by his skill  .As we got onto the bus after the show the resounding question on all pupils lips was `are we doing this again next year?`. I don`t there`s any doubt that we will indeed be returning to the Peace Proms next time!

Many thanks for all your wonderful work as CEO; you make it all seem so effortless and the organisation on Sunday was wonderfully efficient and well planned. We were warmly greeted and looked after by a very caring YELLOW team!

Kind regards and I hope that you have a well-earned rest when the full programme of concerts is completed.

Terée Shanahan

 

Thanks a million, Sharon. Our kids really enjoyed the experience again this year. In fact, I think they enjoyed it even more than last year because they knew what to expect. The programme was fantastic, and really kept their attention. Whoever thought of having the ghosts come out in the Monster Medley was inspired! Thanks again for all the hard work you put in – you will need a holiday after this!

Helen

 

Well Sharon……………where do I start? The concert yesterday was an unbelievable experience. The orchestra, the musicians, the choir, the soloists, the dancers and the conductor just pulled out all the stops to make yesterday a memorable day that will live long in the memory of all who saw it. You have every right to be very proud of your achievements. Just when you think things cant get any better…………..they do!…………………..No pressure for 2016 then!!!!!

It has been an absolute pleasure to have been involved in this concert for the last seven years. Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed every minute, so on behalf of everyone at Glenann PS I would like to thank you. Please also pass on our thanks to Gearoid for singing Happy Birthday to Sine……….she was very chuffed! I have to mention the young dancer who slipped on the stage. She immediately got up and continued her routine when it would have been easy for her to become upset. I think this incident epitomised the spirit of the concert and of the people involved………………pass on my congratulations to her.

Finally Sharon I wish you and the orchestra every success for your Limerick concert later in the month. You have created a powerful institution and given many children a wonderful opportunity. Look after yourself, take care, and we will see you in 2016.

All the best and thanks again.

Francis

 

Dear Sharon, Thank you so much for a fantastic concert. It really was a wonderful experience for the children, teachers and parents.

We enjoyed every minuet and it was clear how much hard work and effort you put into making it such a success!!.

Best wishes,

Bernie McCormac, Mary McNeill and Emma Lawless. St. Catherines SGNS, Cabra West, Dublin!

 

MESSAGE FROM THE LORD MAYOR OF BELFAST

Thank you for the very kind invitation to join you. It was an amazing event and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The talent of every young person performing was outstanding and it was so uplifting, especially for the orchestra to be joined by so many children from across Northern Ireland. I visited one of the primary schools involved, Mercy Primary, this morning and those young girls are still excitedly talking about their performance at the Peace Proms. You have given all of those involved and those in the audience a memory they will never forget.

Best regards,

Nichola

 

would like to thank you and all involved with Peace Proms for a truly lovely experience on Sunday. It was wonderful to see the children enjoy the magic of being part of a huge choir and to see, hear and be a part of a performance with a superb orchestra.  Heartiest congratulations to Gearoid Grant, to the orchestra, to the performers and to the team helping. A very special thank you to you for what is a huge undertaking and the efficient and diligent way you managed the event. God bless your patience!!

A special thank you also to the lady who was sitting at the desk to the left of the entrance. She was kindness and thoughtfulness personified in the manner in which she dealt with the late arrival (pre-agreed with the school ) of one of our special needs pupils.

le mór-mheas,

Imelda Mhic Mhathúna, Príomhoide

 

 

Dear Sharon and all the Cross Border Orchestra Of Ireland and team ,

We had such a brillant time and experience in UL on Saturday night. The atmosphere was amazing , all our children had a fabulous time and our parents were thrilled with the night. We have taken part 3 times now since Peace Proms started coming to Limerick and we have enjoyed and loved every time. Our pupils today spent the day talking about the night and already want me to book them in for next year.

So thank you to all involved, and we cant wait until next year.

We will be watching out for the application forms and dont hesitate to send them straight to us.

You can count us in for next years concert , it is a fantastic experience.

Yours in peace and music,

Ide Mulcahy Mooney – St. Michaels GNS, Tipperary Town.

 

To all at the cross border orchestra and everyone who helped on the day a huge thanks!

The children, parents, teachers, friends etc at millennium integrated primary school thought that the whole experience and particularly the show, was amazing!

Can a say a big well done to managing the practical logistics of being in the odyssey!

Finally, can we thank the orchestra and especially the conductor for the amazing music on the day!!!

Thanks so much peace proms!!!

A brilliant and enjoyable experience for all involved!!

Wendy Ballard – millennium integrated p sch

 

 

This was our first time to take part in Peace Proms. From the start, it was an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Thank you so much for the calm and organised way in which you ran everything from start to finish. It amazed me at how well you had every last item and activity organised… all we really had to do was teach the songs and be there…. and what a successful day it was! The teachers, parents, helpers and children were thrilled with the whole day. Not only did the children get to sing in the RDS with a fantastic orchestra and conductor of the highest class, they did this in front of their parents who marveled, not only at the singing but at the high standard of the dancing ,soloists etc, that came with it.

Our children were given the opportunity to see an orchestra in action, sing with it and watch the other performances from the best of seats! I was most impressed and grateful to you Sharon, for your care and attention (and same from the staff) in dealing with Bouzids care needs. Nothing was a problem to you and you all made sure he was treated the same as every child. He had a wonderful day thanks to you.

So well done and take a bow yourself Sharon- you did a fantastic job!

Le gach deághuí,

Lorraine Harney, Coosan N.S, Athlone

 

Sharon! A BIG thank you to you for all your hard work.  It must be a huge undertaking each year to put on such a brilliant event.  The children really do get so much out of it.  We may live fairly close to Dublin, but so few will ever get to see a symphony orchestra and such talent on display. I hope you all managed to get a well-deserved rest after the weekend!

Regards

Anita Russell, Scoil Naomh Brid, Talbotstown

 

 

Sharon, it was a fantastic night as I expected.  The children had a ball.  They loved every minute of it and loved seeing the orchestra in action. Thanks for all your hard work to make it happen. Its really appreciated,

Jenny Gannon

 

Congratulations to you and your team, Sharon for a fantastic event.  It all ran very smoothly which is a testament to your hard work and organisational skills.  Our students really enjoyed the whole experience and we look forward to getting involved again next year!

Best wishes,

Laura

 

Dear Sharon,

Thank you so much for everything. I meant to email you last night but the tiredness got the better of me and I never got around to it. I can only imagine how exhausted you all must be having done the concert four times! We were tired enough after just one!

Thank you so much also for all the work that went in to making yesterday possible. It really doesnt go unnoticed the amount of effort and co-ordination that it takes to put something like that together. In many ways the group effort mirrors wonderfully the whole essences of the Cross-Border Initiative, in practicing unity and co-operation among others, wonderful things can be achieved.

This was our first year participating in the Peace Proms having taken part in the Hallelujah program for the last number of years. Initially my reasons for changing over to the Peace Proms was purely a selfish one, in that Hallelujah is always on in early December when Im up to my eyes organising our own choir concert here in school, so the timing of your concert suited me better. However, on reflection now I can see the benefits of doing a community/social event like the CBOI rather than a commercial event and also the variety of musical talent and styles was really encouraging to see.

Please pass on our thanks to all involved at every level. Hope you get to enjoy a break of some kind over the next while.

Le mór-mheas,

Claire  and all the children and staff at Scoil Mobhí

 

 

Saturday night was truly amazing. We loved it from start to finish. The children were blown away by the orchestra. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talent with us. It was our first experience of peace proms and won t be our last!

Mile mile buiochas.

Noreen Cotter, St. Marys BNS  Abbeyfeale

 

Kanturk Convent Primary School would like to say WELL DONE to the Peace Proms team for organising a truly fantastic day. This was our first year taking part and the feedback from children and parents was extremely positive and very rewarding for the teachers.

Congratulations on the success of the event and best wishes to the CBOI in their future engagements.

Regards,

Úna Meehan,Teacher.

 

Dear Sharon, Many thanks to the whole team involved in organising last nights performance in RDS. It was a great occasion and one which the children enjoyed and parents also. The organisation was superb from a safety point of view and no mean feat to move so many children in and out.

Heartiest congratulations to all for the minute preparation beforehand. My thanks to Gearoid Grant and the orchestra for the beautiful music and also to Gearoid for his stewardship in keeping the whole thing together and keeping us all on track!

Many thanks, to you Sharon for your graciousness, when answering all our emails and queries. I hope you will get a chance to have some well-earned rest.

Kind regards and many thanks

Sr Maria, Loreto Rathfarnham

Well done to you and all the Peace Proms team on the super efficient organization and the fantastic production. This was our second year, having been in Kilkenny last year, and both participants and parents alike were again thrilled by the show and found it to be a wonderful experience.

Keep up the great work!

Caroline Stone, St. Marys Edenderry

 

want to say a very sincere thank you to you and all your team for the wonderful success that was last nights show. The organisation of so many children and teachers was a fantastic achievement. We feel privileged to have been involved.

The feedback today from parents, children and teachers was extremely positive and all agreed it was a very worthwhile experience.

We wish The Peace Proms continued success.

Kind Regards

Marguerite Ryan 6th class teacher, Ranelagh Multidenominational School

 

Thanks a million for another unbelievable evening with the CBOI.  The children had an absolute blast and were asking me about next year already, which is always a very good sign of their enjoyment.

Best of luck with everything for the rest of the year.

Kindest regards,

Louise and everyone at Castaheany Educate Together N.S.

 

big CONGRATS! to you and your team. We really enjoyed the day and the smooth running of the comings and goings of 2500 children was a beauty to behold. The feedback from pupils and parents is extremely positive and we all really enjoyed this special event.

Best wishes for the remainder of your concerts

Regards

Micheál

 

Sharon, A wonderful experience was had by all children of Scoil Bhride, Kill and parents alike again this year. Everything is so well organised, its a pleasure to be involved with you. Thanks for all the work you do to get it to the fabulous production that it was. Our thanks

Carmel Linehan

 

A huge thanks and congratulations to all involved in the organisation of this very special concert. It was our first time taking part and it will definitely not be our last. Our boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had a great time chatting to all the other school children seated around them. It is by no means a small undertaking to bring all these schools together. Well done for a thoroughly enjoyable, well-organised day.

Siobhan Flynn, Principal

 

Once again, huge thanks to you, Gearoid and all the musicians for giving us all a wonderful uplifting experience on Sunday.  I was there both as a parent and teacher and I was so impressed by it. I felt so happy for my own kids and my class that they were part of such a fabulous event. I have no doubt that it will be a lifelong memory for them!

I am available to help out on Sunday.

Thanks again and well done on organising a fabulous event!

Patricia Mc Kenna

 

Thanks Sharon to you and all your team. Our choir had an unforgettable and truly enjoyable experience at the Peace Proms in the RDS again this year. Some of our teachers came along to watch the concert and were amazed and very impressed with the Concert, they thoroughly enjoyed it. All your hard work and dedication is very much appreciated.

Thanks again,

Louise Cummins, Patrician Primary Newbridge

 

Thank you so much for all of your hard work and preparation for the Peace Proms concerts. The children really had a fabulous experience and we had lots of very positive feedback from parents and our principal after the concert.

Once again, thanks very much for all your work, communication and support.

Susan Naughton, St Colmcilles SNS, Knocklyon

 

 

Thank you to the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland from Blessington Educate Together, for the wonderful organisation that went into this weekends shows. Congratulations to our teachers, Rosemary, Lynn and the BETNS Peace Proms choir on a wonderful performance.  All of the hard work over the last few months was worth it when you were sitting in the audience watching and listening to such an emotional and moving performance by so many different schools and the fabulous Cross Border Orchestra. It was a thoroughly enjoyable show and we are so proud to have been a part of it.

 

 

Many thanks to you, Gearoid, soloists, musicians, dancers and stewards for a wonderful concert this afternoon! The entertainment was marvelous and the organisation was flawless. Well done, and we wish you all the very best for the rest of your concerts.

Regards,

Sinead OCarroll,

(On behalf of staff, pupils & parents of Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, Waterford

 

Many thanks to you and your committee for the fantastic organisation of the event.The pupils of our school and their parents were hugely impressed with the nights entertainment.Would it be possible to order the dvd .

Many thanks and roll on next year,

Eugene Riordan ,Principal of Rathcoffey Ns Co Kildare

 

Dear Sharon,  Thank you again for all your hard work and organisation. It is such an honor and pleasure to be part of such a wonderful performance. We will see you again next year,

Kindest regards,

Fíona Kelly (St. Annes National School, Ardclough)

Thanks for all the hard work that went into it…!

 

 

A word of thanks from us. As ever, you and your team provided excellent correspondence, materials, workshops, rehearsals, venues and above all a show to be very proud of and which will live long in our pupils memories – THANK YOU!!

 

We look forward to next year already!

Kind regards,

Mrs Cathy Hunter

Principal

 

We just loved yesterday! It was a joy and honour to be part of this fantastic event!  The venue this year was amazing, we had such great seats too – thank you!!

We look forward to next year and Peace Proms 2016!!

 

Good Luck and again on behalf of all here in Christ the King Primary School, Drumaness, County Down,  thank you for everything.

Kind Regards,

Grainne. (Principal)

 

 

Dear Sharon,  I want to congratulate you and your team on a fabulous concert last night.  Our children, families and friends enjoyed it so much.  The choice of music and dance was out of this world and was just an incredible experience for our school to be a part of.  Many thanks for all your hard work and looking forward to Peace Proms 2016!

 

Best wishes,

Una Hennessey, Our Lady of Lourdes PS Belfast

 

Have to say thank you for an amazing day and the feedback from the children and the parents has been fabulous.  We really enjoyed taking part and the whole spectacle of the show.

Thanks Again, Geraldine

 

We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and my wife Maire reckoned it was the best CBOI concert she has attended. Huge credit to you and your team – what you have started and achieved is a credit to all concerned.

Comhghairdeas ó chroí

Pat Mulligan

St. Peters NS, Dromiskin

 

Congratulations to all the CBOI members. Your musical talent and hard work allows us, your parents, to be part of a wonderful experience! We are incredibly proud of each and everyone of you. You owned the stage at the Odyssey yesterday and impressed the WHOLE of N. Ireland with your ability! Patricia Jordan

 

 

Just to say thanks again to you and all the team – as ever, it was a wonderful experience for the kids (and their parents!) – they just love singing all of their favourite hits! And, of course, the event was a triumph of organisation 😉 Heres to next year,

Maura

 

Thank you so much  for inviting my wife  and I along to yesterdays Belfast Peace Proms, the entire show was excellent from start to finish and we enjoyed it immensely.  I, as you would expect, was particularly interested in the performance of our pipers and drummers and they certainly did not let me down.  They are now developing into being able to perform naturally with the orchestra and they are taking full advantage of the opportunity the CBOI affords to them.

 

Well done to all, thank you on behalf of the pipers and drummers,  do feel free to ask us at RSPBANI to support your work.  We certainly value the relationship

 

Regards

Ray Hall, Chairman RSPBANI

 

Thank you very much for the opportunity to hear and see what was a tremendous spectacle at the RDS,  we both enjoyed it immensely, I understand that you were too busy to meet me but your colleague Caroline was a great hostess, please convey our thanks to her.  I would like to discuss the possibilities of bringing the orchestra to Dungannon later in the year.  When you get a chance please ring me on 07876758941 and hopefully we can arrange to meet.  Regards  Iain

 

Some comments from our school on the Peace Proms experience

The Peace Proms.

 

Being at the peace proms was an amazing experience. When I was on the stage with all of the other schools, I got a shiver in my spine. The singing was brilliant.

Lydia 5th class

 

I thought that Peace Proms was the best singing event I have ever been at. The orchestra was amazing and Gearoid Grant was an amazing conductor. The sound was so loud and good!

Rhona 4th class

 

The peace proms are an absolutely magical way of expressing harmony and peace through music.

Hannah 6th class

 

I thought it was amazing the sound was brilliant. Great day.

Seán 6th class

 

I thought it was great fun. I liked the music and i hope to go again some time

Sean 6th class

 

I thought the atmosphere and the orchestra was brilliant

Conor 6th class

 

I had a brilliant time and it felt amazing up on the stage! I would love to do it again

Ciara 5th class

 

I was really excited and nervous when I went on stage.

Lorna 3rd class

 

This was one of my best days ever.

Ann 6th class

 

I thought it was a great experience. This is something I will remember and cherish

Andrea 6th class

 

I really enjoyed the Peace Proms because it was really cool when everyone was doing dance moves.

Ceílí 6th class

 

I had a splendid experience in the RDS and I loved the way everyone had great voices.

Dara 6th class

 

I had so much fun. Thank you.

Cillian 6th class

 

I thought it was just amazing

Dylan 6th class

 

I felt so inspired by this chance to perform on stage

Morgan 5th class

 

I felt magical. It was a great day. I hope it will happen again!

Joe 6th class

 

I felt very nervous when I was on stage. Also I felt excited.

Grace 3rd class

 

I had an extraordinary time on Sunday in Dublin. It was really fun and exciting.

Heidi 3rd class

 

I had a fantastic day and I really thought it was an amazing experience and I would love to do it again. Thank you for a great day and thanks to my teachers, Ms. Shannahan and Ms. Walsh

Katie 6th class

 

I thought it was an amazing experience! I just loved it, everything was just outstanding.

Holly 5th class

 

I felt a bit nervous but I was proud and amazed to take part in the Peace Proms. It was so great to be there.

Tara 3rd class

 

I had fun on Sunday at the Peace Proms dancing.

Carl 3rd class

 

We all had a great day. I really thought it was a dream. I have no idea how they put it all together. It was very well organised. They all knew exactly what to do. It was the best day ever.

Ellen 4th class

 

I thought the Peace Proms were an amazing experience! I had a spectacular day of singing and I would love to do it again next year

Amy 5th class

 

We were all very excited about the Peace Proms. The sound and the lights were amazing.

Shane 4th class

 

I really enjoyed my day singing at the Peace Proms this year. I thought it was a wonderful experience and I really thought it was a superb day out.

Éabha 6th class

 

It felt great, good and amazing to be part of. The music was amazing. I cant wait till the next one. Ben 6th class

 

The peace proms were so great. Im hoping we can do it again!!!

Alannah 5th class

 

I was absolutely entranced by the sound of the orchestra.

Seán 5th class

 

I was very proud of my school when we were singing with the orchestra

Cían 5th class

 

My time at the Peace Proms was so spectacular, not even words could explain what a good time I had

Mia 5th class

 

I really enjoyed the day. I loved the sound of the orchestra and the soloists. All the performers were amazing.

Chelsey 5th class

 

The peace proms were so amazing. It was really nice to hear the orchestra.

Ella 4th class

 

Peace Proms were one of the best things I have ever done. It was very exciting. Everything was brilliant.

Saoirse 5th class

 

 

When I went on the stage for Peace Proms i felt amazed and I felt very special

Cian. W 5th class

 

It meant so much for me to sing in front of that many people. I felt so happy.

Bethaney 3rd class

 

I was really ready for it and prepared. It was wonderful.

Evie 3rd class

 

The day of the Peace Proms was amazing. The violinist played excellently. All the soloists were great and especially Gearóid Grant. He was absolutely brilliant!

Lindsey 4th class

 

I thought it was magnificent. I loved the way all schools came together and made such a powerful sound!

Hanna 4th class

 

On Sunday I had a great time at the Peace Proms.  I thought it was very good, I loved the way when we were singing Ghost Busters and the people came out dressed in their costumes!  I loved the orchestra.

Aishling 6th class. Ballybryan National School

 

 

 

FACEBOOK COMMENTS

It was amazing. So proud of everyone who took part (especially 3rd class) an amazing opportunity for all the kids. Was so so proud. Cant wait for next year. Xxx Catherine

 

My daughter Róise was in the 2pm show today and it was a wonderful show a great experience for her and a wonderful day for her school Danescastle N. S. in Carrig on Bannow , Co. Wexford – thanks for the great opportunity @ RDS Dublin – feeling proud. Kerrie

 

Thanks for all your hard work Sharon. See you next year.

Kind regards,

Staff and pupils from Loreto Crumlin

 

 

Absolutely fantastic afternoon in the RDS today. Well done to Mrs Hughes and the pupils from St Philips SNS and all the schools participating. Roll on next year!
 Barbara

 

What a brilliant day. The enthusiasm these young people brought to their performances made for a wonderful experience. Well done to all.
 Audrey

 

Brilliant performance last night! Very proud of my son and all those fantastic kids who took part. They absolutely raised the roof.
 Aliness

 

Brilliant performance yesterday!!! well done to my beautiful daughter who took part with her school Scoil Bhride Killeshandra!!!!! 
Paula

 

We really enjoyed the concert last weekend.

My son was one of the kids in the Peace Prom Childrens Choir.

What a great idea to give the kids a chance to participate in something great like this. My son also enjoyed it very much…! Baerbel Omoyemwense

 

Amazing afternoon with incredibly talented people really enjoyed the Peace Proms – feeling inspired. Mary

 

Very well done to all today it was an amazing afternoon especially Scoil Bhride killeshandra cavan. Lisa

 

 

Very enjoyable night last night model school and all the rest were very good. Janet

 

An excellent performance and show at the Peace Proms, today in Belfast . Everyone concerned should be very proud , Really loving the conductor. His inter-action with the young children and his orchestra was out of this world ,

 

Amazing Belfast Peace Proms. Music was excellent, thoroughly entertaining. Cant wait for next year.

 

Concert was fab Sharon. Thought it was best yet and all odyssey staff were v helpful and courteous with kids and teachers . Really enjoyed it. J

 

Excellent concert last yesterday and last evening…it was an honour and a privilege to play with such a fabulous and talented group of musicians and meet all the supporters… Thanks again… Paschal.

 

 

 

FROM NEW YORK

 

had the wonderful pleasure of attending the cbo performance in Carnegie hall this year. My niece Sasha Stitt is a member of the orchestra.  It was the absolute highlight of our week in New York. The performance was amazing. I wanted it to go on and on. They were brilliant. A big congratulations to Sharon and the entire team, well well done.

 

Kind regards, Marie Lawlor

 

Dear Sharon, Congratulations again on a splendid achievement at your Carnegie Hall Concert.  It was a great occasion and I was happy to be there. I met you briefly afterwards. What you are doing is amazing and I wish you every success in your endeavours.  It is so good for Irish-Americans to hear and see such positive images of Ireland – I think the Irish Consul put it very well – they are the future.

 

I went to New York principally to support Gearóid Grant, with whom I have worked for many years in the Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society. I also had a special R&R reason for going: in 1922, on the occasion of the R&Rs 10th Anniversary the then Musical Director of the R&R, Tommy Weaving, was reported in the papers as saying:

“One great attribute of such societies as theirs (the R&R) was that they had no political or religious differences.  They were a very mixed body, and he believed that on the foundation of art could be built up as their only hope a really united Ireland” .

It was a remarkable thing to say in the Ireland of 1922 and even more remarkable that you and Gearóid, Mr.Weavings successor in the R&R, have made it happen!

Kind regards,

 

Nora ORourke

 

Thanks again for a fantastic event in New York – I will admit to getting emotional during the Carnegie Hall show at the realization of (a) they were there and (b) the superb job everyone was doing on that stage.

 

It was very clear to me (and others) that not only was the quality of the music the best ever, but also that all (Orchestra and Maestro) were really enjoying the event, and for me this really what made it even more enjoyable for the audience – the fact that they could see those on stage having fun.

 

I also want to thank you and your committee for the excellent organization done for the trip itself.  While we were “outsiders” looking in, knowing what was done, how it flowed smoothly and that there were no hiccups is a credit to those that organized the whole trip. Best wishes, Paul. CBOI Parent

 

Sharon, I want to congratulate yourself , Gearoid ,the orchestra, the choirs and all the soloists on your Carnegie Hall performance. It was absolutely so uplifting and so poignant. The programme was so well chosen for the occasion and the standard of playing was excellent. Gearoid was a delight to watch . He interacts so well with everyone and brings so much fun and enthusiasm to the performance always.

It was such an impressive display in every sense. Well done to you on organising the whole trip so well. Laura had the time of her life and thanks too to the chaperones for taking great care of the children.

Regards, Patricia Mc Kenna CBOI Parent

 

Sharon, Im sure your mailbox runneth over…but I wanted to say a huge congratulations to you on a massive success in America.  I also wanted to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart for facilitating the greatest experience of my young sons life…so far!

 

Noahs feet havent touched the ground yet.

Kind Regards, Elaine Costello. CBOI Parent

 

Dear Ms. Treacy-Dunne,

 

I would like to thank you for providing the Trinity Ringers, under the direction of Jill Fedon, the opportunity to be part of your Moravian Academy and Carnegie Hall performances.

 

To be present for and part of such musicianship was truly a rare gift for a church fellowship!  It is quite clear the show most certainly could have gone on without us, so to allow our choir the opportunity to share your space and allow us to make music with you was most gracious. Being one of the ringers parents, I know this opportunity you gave the choir will leave a permanent impression on them. The experience was transformative. My daughter is a musician, and musicians make music. To make music with not just an orchestra, but your orchestra, one comprised of such talented youth and adults twice in one week is truly a gift.

 

I hope you and the orchestra enjoyed the handbell choir performance Jills “Procession in C,” at Carnegie Hall, and again, thank you for giving the Trinity Ringers the opportunity to perform both for and with you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Darrell Sandrue

 

I just wanted to say congratulations to all the people a part of the Cross Border Orchestra! As one of the bagpipers that performed with you during the Moravian Academy and Carnegie Hall performances, I can confidently say how absolutely incredible each and every one of you are. I have put on many performances in my life, with the bagpipes and other instruments, and I have always been very critical of myself and the performance that I was apart of. This, however, was incredible! I Especially wanted to point out that Megan Ruby Walsh, with that amazing voice of hers, had me on the edge of tears when she would sing Danny Boy. Every one of you are very talented musicians that are so fortunate to be a part of this program. All of you have a bright, successful future ahead of you. Again, congratulations everyone on an absolutely brilliant performance, you took my breath away. Keep it up! David

 

Dear Sharon, Orla, and Ciarán, My sincerest thanks to each of you for all of the work and planning it took to bring the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland to perform with us here in Harrison last Wednesday evening. I trust you no doubt had a magnificent return performance at Carnegie, and are now reflecting on the many successes of last weeks tour.

 

The ability to be able to provide our students with a musical opportunity such as the one created through the CBOI performance is something we are all very proud of in Harrison; the ability to connect them with students from Ireland makes it all the more special and rewarding. This was truly a night to celebrate the unity we experience in Harrison, and now beyond with our new friends.

 

Our students were incredibly impressed and honored to perform alongside the many members of the CBOI, but the greatest joy they experienced was during dinner when they had the opportunity to chat and share social media contacts with the students from Ireland. The pictures we have from that part of the day, where every single table had both Harrison and CBOI students represented, truly captured the essence of the evening for us. There is still a buzz alive in our community after last weeks performance. Thank you all so very much again for working and sharing music with us. We remain extremely fortunate and grateful to have had the opportunity to work collectively with all of you.

Congratulations on a magnificent run! I do hope we will keep in touch.

 

Many thanks, Lynn

 

just want to say how unbelievably lucky I have been over the past while. Thanks to the Cross Border Orchestra Ireland, I have just fulfilled one of my biggest dreams- to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York. I am just so blessed and happy. That was easily the best week of my life. We performed in 3 different venues, including Harrison High School, Moravian Academy and the world famous Carnegie Hall. The week was absolutely brilliant, there wasnt a dull moment. We saw the Empire State Building, Central Park, ate at the Hard Rock Café and that was just Monday. We shopped all over the place and enjoyed the thrill rides at Six Flags. I had an amazing group of girls as my NYC Roomies for the week, Tara Gilsenan, Niamh Beggy, Niamh Ní Chuile and Laura Rahill, love you guys. Our room may not have been tidy, but it was sure fun. There are so many people who dont get the opportunities that I have by the end of their lives, yet I have achieved such huge dreams at the age of 14. There are so many wonderful people who I need to thank, including my whole amazingly talented orchestra, the CBOI (not going to try to tag everyone). Huge thanks to Marie Clare Darcy and Team MCD for being a great chaperone team, we still need to record the Team MCD theme tune:). Thanks to my parents for letting me go. I couldnt have raised the money I did without Aoife Hession, Siobhan Flanagan, Patrick Flanagan and Gordan, my busking group, thanks for the help guys. Of course I have to acknowledge our conductor, Gearoid Grant, for being purely amazing. Lastly I need to thank Sharon Treacy-Dunne, for making this amazing orchestra happening and for keeping it up and running, without her I wouldnt have gotten these opportunities.

I can easily say that I had the best week of my life. I am so so so lucky and blessed to have fulfilled some of my biggest dreams and I am so thankful. I really cant imagine me without the CBOI, and everyone in it. Love you guys x Laoise McMullen CBOI Member

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