Subject: May 2011 Newsletter
From: "Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 4 May 2011 12:05:05 +0100

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CBOI Announces Dundalk Date - Sat 25 June

The CBOI has announced a long awaited date for Dundalk. 
“Peace Proms Dundalk” will take place in the Dundalk Institute of Technology, 
where the orchestra is based, on Saturday 25th June

Following many requests for a local concert, the CBOI is delighted to be completing 
this year’s programme with a performance at home to celebrate the end of the academic 
year, and we are inviting local schools to be part of a 250 member choir for the occasion.
HOW TO GET YOUR SCHOOL INVOLVED
If your school would like to be part of a 250 member choir performing with the orchestra in 
Peace Proms Dundalk, you can contact CBOI Founding Director Sharon Treacy-Dunne on 
086 8283268 or email [email-masked]
Standing ovations and tumultuous applause have become hall marks of the CBOI’s unique 
and very special concerts and it is no surprise that they are regarded as the most accomplished 
youth orchestra that Ireland has ever produced.  In fact it is impossible to leave a CBOI concert 
without feeling uplifted, renewed and full of hope for a brighter future.
Soloists who perform with the CBOI are regarded the best in Ireland and include: Patricia Treacy 
on violin, Patrick Martin and Conal Duffy on Uilleann Pipes and tenor Emmanuel Lawler. 
The CBOI’s imposing Drum and Piping Corps adds huge strength to the concerts.
The Dundalk concert will mark the end of a fabulous run of performances by the CBOI this year
 before orchestra rehearsals resume again in the DkIT in August.
 Tickets will be onsale shortly via our website and selected outlets. For more information check
 www.facebook.com/crossborderorchestra and www.cboi.ie for regular updates

Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland FUNdraising Success
Orchestra raises almost €5,000 on Cooley Mountain Trek to send them to the Royal Albert Hall, London
The weather was glorious last Sunday with blazing sunshine and an invigorating breeze as over 100 CBOI 
members, families and friends set off on a 3 hour trek across the Cooley Mountains to raise much needed 
funds for the orchestra. The walk was led by experienced hill walker Pat Monagher as well as Brian Morrow,
 Shane Reenan and Barry O’Neill all of whom are certified in Mountaineering and Search and Rescue. The walk 
set out from the Foy Centre in Carlingford and followed the Barnavave Loop taking in spectacular scenes of 
Carlingford Lough below and stopping off at the historic and fascinating Famine Village and the Megalithic 
Tomb on route. On return to the Foy Centre, the CBOI’s Parents Association had organised much appreciated 
afternoon tea for all.   
The orchestra has climbed many mountains – metaphorically speaking – over the past 16 years having 
musically conquered cities throughout Asia, America and Europe where they performed successions of 
sell out concerts. The orchestra has now set its sights on London and has confirmed that they will make 
their debut at the Royal Albert Hall on the 12th October 2012. To the best of our knowledge, the CBOI is 
again making history by being the 1st Irish orchestra to perform in the Royal Albert Hall. Over 1,000 
children from schools in areas where the Irish Diaspora is strong will perform with the CBOI in London. 
This will be a huge challenge for the CBOI, financially, logistically and administratively. Equally it will be a 
huge achievement for the orchestra, and an invaluable experience for all the members of the CBOI and 
everyone who gets the opportunity to perform with them in London.

CBOI Strictly Strings Make Their Debut

CBOI strings gave their debut performance in Dublin on Sunday 27th March.

Soloists Conal Duffy and Patricia Treacy were sensational. Vinny Lynch as piano conductor was magic. 
CBOI strings 
played to a packed audience at St. Joseph’s Church Dartry Road.

The ensemble played a varied and very exciting programme including a medley from Lady Ga Ga, and the 
beautiful theme music from the Godfather. Conal Duffy played a thrilling traditional set on solo Uilleann 
Pipes before joining the orchestra for Hardiman’s Lord of the Dance Virtuoso violinist Patricia Treacy 
wowed the audience with Blackbird, made famous by Sharon Shannon, and Riverdance before joining the 
orchestra for several fabulous arrangements including Creloe Jazz which had the audience 
practically dancing in the pews. Well done to all concerned.

February Peace Proms Sell Out

In February, the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland completed their National Tour selling out eleven “Peace Proms” 
concerts in Ireland’s most prestigious venues including the Waterfront Hall, Belfast; the Helix, Dublin; the Royal 
Theatre, Mayo; Leisureland, Galway and City Hall, Cork.

CBOI Founding Director Sharon Treacy-Dunne explains that he CBOI’s unique and innovative music programme 
aims to “entertain, educate and engage children and young people in music and to enrich their lives through 
exceptional musical experiences and performances”. The programme is specially designed to stimulate, nurture 
and advance musical, social and cultural development in young people. “Peace Proms” is supported and
 endorsed by the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport. 
Sharon explains that “Peace Proms” is a huge amount of extra work for the teachers who get involved. 
She is especially happy that so many local schools participated in “Peace Proms 2011”. “Local schools 
have always been so supportive of the CBOI. We are very lucky to have so many dedicated and devoted
 teachers locally who are prepared to go the extra mile”. 

The teachers involved in “Peace Proms 2011” seemed genuinely thrilled with the success of the programme 
and the concerts. One teacher said, “What a wonderful celebration of talent and genius! Our parents were 
overwhelmed and our children had a magical opportunity that will live with them forever. As a teacher, I am i
ndebted to you for your vision, drive and generosity”. 

Standing ovations and tumultuous applause have become hall marks of the CBOI’s unique and very special 
concerts and it is no surprise that they are regarded as the most accomplished orchestra that Ireland has ever 
produced.  They are not a classical symphony orchestra as their unique blend of music is drawn from rock, 
classical, folk, pop and traditional genres. While their sound is new and exciting, it evokes the heritage and 
culture of our Island and communicates with audiences of every age – everybody can identify with the CBOI. 
It is sometimes powerful and rousing, sometimes passionate and full of emotion, and always brilliant, vibrant 
and spirited. It is impossible to leave a CBOI concert without feeling uplifted, renewed and full of hope for a 
brighter future.

The talent among the young musicians of the CBOI is without question. Energy radiates from the stage when 
they play. There is a deep sense of unity and camaraderie among the musicians and pride in their orchestra. 
The soloists are regarded the best in Ireland: Patricia Treacy produces sublimely beautiful melodies on violin
 and then bursts into sparkling virtuosity; Patrick Martin on Uilleann Pipes is at once hauntingly evocative and
 then dazzlingly brilliant; Emmanuel Lawler wows the audience as outstanding presenter and tenor. The CBOI’s 
imposing Drum and Piping Corps adds huge strength to the concerts, and the booming Lambeg Drum 
resonates like fireworks.  The voices of the young choirs fill each and every auditorium with resounding joy. 
These multiple elements are held together, guided and driven by the legendary conductor, Maestro Gearóid Grant. 
The CBOI also discovered a new and exceptional talent when double bass player Conal Duffy stepped in at short 
notice to deputise for Patrick Martin on Uilleann Pipes. Conal made his debut in the Royal Theatre, Mayo where he 
received a standing ovation for a sensational performance.  

While every concert was exceptionally good, Sharon says the highlight was the final concert in Cork City Hall 
where the orchestra and choir made a quick change for the finale from their white uniforms into red and All 
Ireland champion Cork footballer Nicolas Murphy, brought the Sam Maguire onto the stage as the entire choir 
and orchestra burst into Queen’s iconic chorus “We are the Champions”. The entire audience rose to their feet 
and joined the performers in resounding song. What a celebration 

Huge thanks is due to all the CBOI’s sponsors and supporters without whom this wonderful orchestra could 
not continue.  Special thanks to our many individual sponsors and to our Government sponsors especially 
Louth County Council. Thanks also to our corporate sponsors especially Hilco UK and CEO Paul McGowan, and 
to the Goodman Foundation and Larry and Kate Goodman for their enormous generosity.

Although this officially marks the end of the CBOI’s performance season for 2010/2011 Sharon admits that 
she has had many requests to do a local concert to mark the end of the school year and says she is looking 
at possibilities. Orchestra rehearsals resume again in August and run until January. “Peace Proms” will take 
place throughout Ireland again in February 2012 and the orchestra will also make their London debut next 
year with a landmark performance in world renowned Royal Albert Hall.  

It you’re between 12 and 24 and play a musical instrument, you too can become a member of this wonderful
orchestra. New members will be taken in August. Apply on line here , email the CBOI at 
[email-masked] or phone the CBOI on 0868283268. Join the CBOI on facebook for regular
updates and photos of all concerts at: www.facebook.com/crossborderorchestra