The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) performed to two sold-out Peace Proms shows at Belfast’s SSE Arena.
The orchestra is made up of 130 young musicians and 6,000 strong young choir members from across the country. They were joined on stage by Ulster Scot dancers alongside Irish dancers from across the island. Also in the band were 25 young pipers and drummers led by world champion highland piper Grahame Harris.
The Peace Proms concert series performed two 90 minute shows of music and dance which "captivated the Belfast audiences".
The guest of honour at the lunchtime show was Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly MLA, representing the First Minister.
Established in 1995, the orchestra has been at the forefront of music education while promoting peace, unity and tolerance on the island of Ireland.
These concerts commenced at the University of Limerick (January 27th) and continued to Dublin, Belfast and the final two shows in Waterford.
The concerts featured 35,000 children from every corner of Ireland and Northern Ireland under the direction of conductor Greg Beardsell and is led by Dundalk-born violinist Richie Dunne.
The Peace Proms concert series has seen the orchestra and choir perform to sell out concerts across Ireland and abroad. The group have received standing ovations and global recognition as they have performed at venues world-wide such as London’s Royal Albert Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall and the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre.
In a time of global conflict and war, the Belfast Peace Proms shares a powerful message of peace and unity.
The Belfast Peace Proms 2024 "celebrates and marks the restoration of powersharing in Northern Ireland and the appointment of new First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly MLA".
Last year the orchestra commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement with a historic sell-out performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. They have also performed for President Michael D Higgins, Britain's King Charles, former US president Barack Obama, US president Joe Biden and the late Queen Elizabeth.
