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About the
CBOI.
Founded in Dundalk in 1995 as a peace initiative, the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland is now one of the island's most celebrated cultural institutions - uniting young musicians from every county through the medium of music.
26.07.26
Summer Workshop
26.09.26
Special Peace Concert NCH
26.10.26
Special Peace Concert NCH
Sharing our love for music
and our passion for peace
The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) was established as a peace initiative in 1995 following the announcement of a major ceasefire in Northern Ireland. More than thirty years later, it continues to play an important role in fostering reconciliation, understanding, and friendship among young people across our island.
The CBOI is best known for its nationwide Peace Proms programme, a free educational and choral initiative involving approximately 30,000 primary school children annually. Through this programme, children from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, perform, and celebrate the values of peace, respect, and inclusion.
Through our Count Us In programme, we provide free instruments, tuition, mentoring, and performance opportunities for hundreds of children and young people, particularly in the Border counties.
The CBOI performs a unique blend of symphonic Celtic music rooted in the Irish and Ulster Scots traditions. Instruments and dance from both traditions are interwoven with the full symphony orchestra, creating a multi-layered musical tapestry which reflects the complex history and rich cultural heritage of our Island, and the outstanding artistic and creative capacity among our young people. The CBOI is recognised as one of Ireland's leading youth arts organisations and a powerful example of successful cross-border cooperation.
The CBOI has represented Ireland at the highest national and international level. The Orchestra has performed for former Presidents including Michael D. Higgins, and Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin; and at the Convention Centre Dublin to launch the Ireland 1916 Centenary Commemorations on behalf of the Government of Ireland. The Orchestra has also represented Ireland at commemorations in Rome and Armagh marking the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls, and at the World Trade Expo in Shanghai where we received the distinction of ‘Most Outstanding International Performance’.
In April of 2023, the CBOI was honoured to collaborate with Blackrock Health Group on a very special event held at the Convention Centre Dublin. The event ‘Heroes and Healers’ paid tribute to all essential healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CBOI has performed for King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II, as well as for President Barack Obama at the White House, Washington D.C., and on several occasions for President Joe Biden during his visits to Ireland. Further highlights include multiple performances at Carnegie Hall, New York, including a landmark concert on 17 March 2023 marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, as well as performances at the Royal Albert Hall, London, Chicago Symphony Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, and the Lincoln Center, New York, alongside numerous performances across Europe.
Born from the peace process.
A major cease-fire was announced in 1994 by the IRA and Loyalist paramilitaries. Following the announcement, the idea of a cross-border orchestra was first mooted by teacher Sharon Treacy-Dunne in St. Louis Girls Secondary School, Dundalk.
It would primarily be a peace initiative - a means of uniting young people from different backgrounds and traditions through the medium of music. After fundraising to restore a store of fine French and German string instruments that had fallen into disrepair, the CBOI was born.
Membership of the CBOI is open to all young people on the island of Ireland - regardless of background. Today CBOI rehearses in the state-of-the-art facilities at Coláiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk.
Thirty years of peace through music
Our History
1995
The CBOI is founded
Established in St. Louis Girls Secondary School Dundalk as a peace initiative following the 1994 cease-fires. Founder Sharon Treacy-Dunne brings together young musicians from across the border using a restored collection of French and German string instruments originally purchased by the St. Louis Sisters in the 1950s. The first cross-border links were with Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Newry, Wellington College, Belfast and Banbridge Academy.
1997
First international links
Through the European Socrates Programme the CBOI established formal links with choirs from the Kallio School of Performing Arts in Finland and Zakladní Škola, Czech Republic — the orchestra's first international cultural exchange.
2001
Growth across the island
New cross-community links were established with the South Ulster Youth Orchestra and Band. Over 300 young musicians were now involved in the project with rehearsals held in Drumcree and Dundalk.
2002
Peace Proms is launched
Sharon Treacy-Dunne is seconded full-time as CEO. The CBOI launches Peace Proms — a free music education programme for primary schools — and moves its base to Dundalk Institute of Technology to become a multi-denominational orchestra open to all young people on the island.
2002
California Dreaming
The CBOI undertakes 10 city tour of California in 2022 and 2024 seeing out venues across Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and more.
2005
Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the flight of the Earls
The CBOI performed at St. Ignatius Church in Rome to mark the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls. Before a capacity audience, the Orchestra gave the premiere of a specially commissioned work, with many descendants of the historic O'Neill and O'Donnell families among those in attendance, making it a particularly poignant and memorable occasion.
2005
Pipes and Drums - Ulster Scots and Irish traditions
The CBOI collaborates across the island with exceptional pipe bands: Down Academy Pipes & Drums, Colmcille Pipes and Drums (Derry/Londonderry), Drumlough Pipe Band, Tralee Pipes and Drums, Limerick Pipes and Drums, Letterkenny & District Pipe Band, New Ross & District Pipe Band,
2005
Irish & Ulster Scots Dance
The CBOI is proud to collaborate with the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance, Belfast; Dance Hall Academy, Swords; Magill School of Irish dance, Waterford; Scoil Uí Ruairc, Limerick.
2005
Carnegie Hall New York & Boston Symphony Hall Sell Out
The CBOI sells out Carnegie Hall, New York to multiple standing ovations. The orchestra repeats the success in Boston Symphony Hall.
2007
Chicago Symphony Hall debut and Boston Symphony Hall return
The CBOI returns to the east coast of America selling out Chicago Symphony Hall and Boston Symphony Hall.
2009
New York's Lincoln Centre debut
The CBOI debuted at the Lincoln Centre, New York - home of the New York Philharmonic orchestra. They received multiple standing ovations from a packed audience.
2010
World Trade Expo, Shanghai
The CBOI represented Ireland at the World Trade Expo in Shanghai and were honoured to be awarded 'Most Outstanding International Performance'
2012
Royal Albert Hall debut
The CBOI debuted at the Royal Albert Hall, London performing 'London Peace Proms' along with a choir of 1000 children from schools around London. The sold out performance received multiple standing ovations.
2014
Ten standing ovations at Carnegie Hall
The CBOI delivers one of its most memorable performances in history at Carnegie Hall New York receiving no fewer than ten standing ovations from an electrified audience. A reaction few if any Irish ensembles have ever achieved on that hallowed stage.
2015
The Soloist competition
Founder Sharon Treacy-Dunne develops and launches The Soloist — a national talent competition. The winner receives a trophy €1000 prize money and the opportunity to perform with the CBOI at all Peace Proms concerts throughout the year.
2015
Teacher Training Programme
Sharon Treacy-Dunne establishes a Teacher Training Programme for primary school teachers participating in Peace Proms. Over 100 teachers take part each summer. The programme is recognised and accredited by the Department of Education and Skills.
2016
White House performance
It was a huge honour for members of the CBOI to perform at the White House Washington D.C., for President Barack Obama.
2016
Ireland 2016 State Commemorations
As the orchestra of first choice for National celebrations the CBOI has the honour of officially launching the Ireland 2016 State Commemorations on behalf of the Irish Government, with a showcase performance in Dublin on January 1st 2016.
2018
Dynamics violin programme
A second free music education programme is launched targeted at primary schools — ideally DEIS schools or schools in rural isolated regions. Children receive a violin on loan and daily group violin lessons during term time.
2018
Count Us In launched
Sharon Treacy-Dunne launches Count Us In — a free instrumental tuition programme for children aged 7–13. Modelled on the Venezuelan El Sistema method the programme provides free String Woodwind and Brass lessons.
2020
Leader Impact Award win
The Dynamics Violin Project wins the Leader Impact Award 2020 for Social Inclusion. 80 children in Co. Louth receive daily group violin lessons through this exceptional programme.
2023
Heroes and Healers
The CBOI is honoured to collaborate with Blackrock Health Group on a very special event held in Dublin to pay tribute to all essential healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023
Carnegie Hall - Good Friday Agreement 25th anniversary
The CBOI returns to Carnegie Hall on St Patrick's Day 2023 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. The performance is met with a standing ovation from a packed audience and receives widespread media coverage across Ireland the UK and the United States.
2024
Outstanding ABRSM results
Over 30 % distinctions and 100% pass by Count Us In students in their ABRSM music exams. ABRSM certification is recognised throughout the world cementing the CBOI's reputation as leaders in music education.
2025
Thirty years of peace through music
The CBOI celebrates its 30th anniversary with Peace Proms 2025 — bringing together 30000 children from 700 schools across Ireland and Northern Ireland in a landmark celebration of three decades of music peace and cross-community friendship.
2026
Peace Proms 2026 sells out
The 18-concert Peace Proms 2026 series sells out across SSE Arena Belfast SETU Arena Waterford Simmonscourt RDS Dublin and University Sports Arena Limerick. Plans announced for Peace Proms 2027.
2026
Music for Peace
A major humanitarian fundraising concert at the National Concert Hall, Dublin. Supporting UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières, to raise vital funds for children affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. Sponsored by the Goodman Foundation.
Four programmes. One mission.
Ages 8–12
35,000
Peace Proms
Free choral education for primary school children across Ireland and Northern Ireland. 700 schools annually.
Ages 13–24
100+
The CBOI
Our flagship youth orchestra. Exceptional orchestral training and performance opportunities for talented young musicians.
Ages 9–13
150
Count Us In
Free instrumental tuition in String, Woodwind and Brass. Modelled on the El Sistema method.
Primary
60
Dynamics
Free daily violin tuition for DEIS and rurally isolated primary schools in Co. Louth.
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From Dundalk to Carnegie Hall.
The CBOI has performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages and has been chosen as the orchestra of first choice for National celebrations and commemorations.
2016
Ireland 2016 State Commemorations
Launched the official programme on Jan 1st
2019
Carnegie Hall, New York
Ten standing ovations
2020
Leader Impact Award
For social inclusion via Dynamics
2023
Carnegie Hall, New York
25th GFA anniversary performance
A registered charity.
The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland is a company limited by guarantee, audited annually, and registered as a charity in Ireland, the UK and the United States.
Children and young people are the sole beneficiaries of the charity. Our programmes place particular emphasis on tackling barriers to equality by including children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Audited by John MacMahon & Co, Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors, Dundalk & Newry.
Ireland
Registered Charity
20054892
United Kingdom
Registered Charity
XT22593
USA
Registered Charity
260270
Ireland
Company Reg
CRO 905933
