The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland Celebrates Peace Proms 2026: Peace Through Music Since 1995
The acclaimed Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) has successfully concluded its landmark Peace Proms 2026 series, a 17-concert all-island celebration of youth, unity, and the transformative power of music. Following spectacular performances in Waterford and Dublin, the series continued to Limerick and Belfast, bringing together tens of thousands of young performers in a shared musical experience of extraordinary scale and impact.
Founded in 1995, the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland has spent over three decades promoting peace, reconciliation, unity, and tolerance through music. Peace Proms 2026 stands as a powerful continuation of this mission, demonstrating once again the ability of music to bring communities together across the island of Ireland.
A Truly Uplifting Experience for All Ages
This year’s Peace Proms saw approximately 35,000 schoolchildren from across Ireland and Northern Ireland participate as members of the Children’s Peace Choirs. Their voices joined with the internationally acclaimed 100-member Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland to create performances of remarkable energy, scale, and huge emotional impact.
Under the direction of internationally renowned conductor Greg Beardsell and led by Dundalk-born violinist Richie Dunne, the concerts delivered an uplifting and unforgettable celebration of youth, talent, and collaboration.
The Belfast Peace Proms 2026 concerts at the SSE Arena were a particular highlight, featuring over 6,000 schoolchildren from both communities across Northern Ireland – reinforcing the inclusive spirit at the heart of this extraordinary programme.
A Celebration of Musical and Cultural Excellence
Peace Proms 2026 showcased some of the island’s finest young and emerging artists. Guest performers included All-Ireland Champion Uilleann Piper Ruadhán Collier O’Brien and award-winning vocalist and songwriter Lauren Murphy. A powerful corps of pipers and drummers drawn from leading bands across Ireland and Northern Ireland added a dynamic and distinctive energy to the performances. Participating groups included: Down Academy Pipes and Drums; Colmcille Pipes and Drums; Drumlough Pipe Band; New Ross and District Pipes and Drums; Manorcunningham Pipe Band; Tralee Pipes and Drums.
Audiences also enjoyed performances from Ulster Scots dancers of the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance and Irish dancers from the Dance Hall Academy, Swords and the Magill School of Irish Dance, Waterford – reflecting the rich cultural traditions of our island.
A Shared Experience of Scale, Unity, and Excellence
Across the full concert series, audiences experienced a production of exceptional scale. The combination of full symphonic orchestra, massed children’s choirs, guest soloists, pipers, drummers, and dancers created a uniquely powerful and immersive concert experience.
The energy and spirit of the young performers remained at the heart of the event. They embodied the core values of Peace Proms: inclusion, collaboration, and shared achievement.
A Continuing Legacy of Peace and Reconciliation
For over three decades, the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall in New York, London’s Royal Albert Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, and the Oriental Arts Centre in Shanghai.
The orchestra has also performed for global leaders including President Michael D. Higgins, King Charles III, the late Queen Elizabeth II, Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. At home and abroad, its performances continue to convey messages of hope, healing, and reconciliation, consistently earning standing ovations and widespread acclaim.
Peace Proms 2026 once again demonstrated the extraordinary impact of bringing young people from diverse backgrounds together in a shared artistic endeavour, inspiring understanding, respect, and friendship across communities.
Acknowledgements
The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland extends its sincere gratitude to its sponsors, including the Goodman Foundation, Louth Meath Education and Training Board, the Arts Council of Ireland, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Department of Education and Skills, MediLink Ambulance Service, as well as the many volunteers, teachers, parents, and supporters who made Peace Proms 2026 possible.
Their continued support ensures that the joy of music and the message of peace can be shared with children, families, schools, and communities across Ireland and beyond.
