Sharon Treacy-Dunne is the Founder and Musical Director of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI), established in 1995 at a defining moment in Irish history as Border checkpoints were being removed and the peace process was beginning to take shape.

Having grown up along the Border, and now teaching at St. Louis Secondary School in Dundalk, a town deeply affected by the Troubles, Sharon felt a responsibility to contribute to peacebuilding. A forgotten cache of old string instruments lay stored in a gallery above the school chapel, and she saw an opportunity. Believing in the power of music to heal and unite, the idea of a Cross Border Orchestra seemed compelling. With no budget for repairs, Sharon fundraised and had the instruments restored to their former beauty. At a time when paramilitaries in Northern Ireland were negotiating the decommissioning of weapons, she was commissioning instruments of a very different kind, and a small orchestra was born.

Early links with Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Newry demonstrated the potential of genuine cross-border and cross-community cooperation. Partnerships followed with Banbridge Academy and Wellington College, Belfast, alongside collaborations with organisations including the South Ulster Youth Orchestra and Band, the Ulster Scots Agency, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association of Northern Ireland, Altnaveigh House and others. Difficult logistical challenges and opposition highlighted the importance of the work, and strengthened resolve.

From the outset, Sharon envisioned programming music that would reflect the complex history and rich cultural heritage of Ireland. By interweaving the symphony orchestra with Irish and Ulster Scots traditions, including uilleann pipes, harp, fiddle, bodhrán, bagpipes and drums, the CBOI developed a unique identity rooted in sharing a message of peace.

Seconded full-time to CBOI in 2002, Sharon expanded membership across the island and established European links. She has since led the CBOI on international tours across the UK, Europe, the USA and China, performing at iconic venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, Boston Symphony Hall and the Oriental Arts Centre, Shanghai. Career highlights include performances for President Barack Obama at the White House, President Joe Biden, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and Presidents Mary McAleese and Michael D. Higgins, as well as representing Ireland at significant national and international events.

In 2003, Sharon founded Peace Proms, now one of the largest and most important primary school music education programmes in Europe. Each year, the all-island Peace Proms tour comprises up to 20 arena concerts across Ireland and Northern Ireland, involving over 35,000 children. As Musical Director and Executive Producer, Sharon personally oversees every aspect of planning, from repertoire and musical direction to rehearsals, staging and production.

The CBOI rehearses at Coláiste Chú Chulainn, Dundalk, thanks to the generosity of Principal Tomás Sharkey and LMETB. From this base, Sharon developed the pioneering free instrumental programmes Dynamics and Count Us In. These initiatives provide instruments and tuition free of charge to over 300 children annually, creating a pathway into the CBOI. For this work, Sharon received a National Rural Impact Award.

Above all, Sharon acknowledges with sincere gratitude the parents and friends of orchestra members, whose dedication and voluntary support make every concert possible. She remains deeply indebted to everyone who sponsors or supports the CBOI and Peace Proms in any way.