The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) was established in 1995 as a means of bringing young people together from different backgrounds and communities, through the powerful medium of music. Composed of 130 young people from many parts of Ireland, the CBOI is one of Ireland's flagship peace initiatives and has become the most acclaimed youth orchestra that Ireland has ever produced. In addition, the CBOI provides essential musical education for 5,000 children in schools all over the country and often fills a void where no musical outlet exists.
The CBOI performs regularly to sell out audiences in major venues across Ireland working with top professional musicians including Ireland's premier conductor, Maestro Gearóid Grant, Tenor, Emmanuel Lawler and Uilleann Piper, Patrick Martin. The orchestra performs music of many genres, including specially commissioned works which celebrate the fusion of cultures on the island of Ireland. The CBOI has gained National and International acclaim for the exceptional opportunities, experiences and education it provides for thousands of young people.
The CBOI has toured to the United States many times, and is the only amateur organization in Ireland’s history to have sold out Carnegie Hall, New York. The CBOI repeated this success at Chicago Symphony Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, the Lincoln Center New York, and in eight cities throughout California. The CBOI has also performed in many European countries such as Italy, England, Czech Republic and Finland. The orchestra represented Ireland in Rome in April 2008 where they performed a specially commissioned work to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the Flight of the Earls. The CBOI has also performed for President McAleese at Áras and Uachtaráin; for a special gathering of EU Ministers in Slane Castle; in Dublin Castle to welcome the new British Ambassador David Reddaway to Ireland; and in Armagh as special guests of the North South Ministerial Council to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Belfast agreement. The CBOI has been invited to perform in Shanghai, China next year where they will represent Ireland at the World Expo
History
- 1995
CBOI was established. Original links were between St. Louis Secondary School, Dundalk; the Abbey Grammar Christian Brother School, Newry; Banbridge Academy; Wellington College, Belfast. AIM: To educate children about commitment, tolerance and friendship through the medium of music. The task of assembling schools interested in being part of an orchestra proved more difficult than anticipated, but following letters of invitation to 219 schools in Northern Ireland, 3 schools eventually agreed to join what was to become the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.
- 1996
CBOI made its first National Concert Hall appearance followed by its first European performance in England, before travelling to the Czech Republic in 1998 and then on to Finland in 2000.
- 2000
The Departments of Education in Northern and Southern Ireland decided to unite for the Grand Millennium Project and the CBOI was invited to headline the project. The CBOI toured all major towns and cities in Ireland and were the highlighted performance.
- 2001
Links were established with the South Ulster Youth Orchestra and the South Ulster Youth Band, (SELB). Rehearsals were held in Dundalk, County Louth and Drumcree, County Armagh. Over 300 young musicians were involved in this effort.
- 2002
CBOI moved to the much larger base at the Dundalk Institute of Technology, (DkIT). CBOI is no longer school based instead CBOI was then opened to all young people living in border counties, both North and South. Ongoing efforts and emphasis were placed on the non-discriminatory, all-inclusive membership process associated with the CBOI.
The success of the orchestra was further enhanced the initiation of the CBOI Choir Programme which now provides essential music education for more than 5,000 children throughout Ireland.
- 2005
CBOI established links with Altnaveigh House in Newry. This link was facilitated by the North South Ministerial Council, Armagh.
- 2007
CBOI Piping and Drum Corps established and new music commissioned to highlight and celebrate the fusion of cultures on the island of Ireland.
- 2008
To commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the "Flight of the Earls", the orchestra performed a specially commissioned work to an audience of over 2,000 at St. Ignatius Cathedral in Rome, Italy.
- 2002-2009
Having performed at all major venues in Ireland and many in Europe, the CBOI set sail for North America. Following more than 20 performances throughout California in 2002 and 2004, the CBOI now set their sights on Carnegie Hall, New York. The CBOI made its Carnegie debut in November 2005 to a sold-out audience and an astounding 6 standing ovations. CBOI has also sold out Boston Symphony Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall and numerous venues throughout the East coast of the US.
- 2010
CBOI hopes to represent Ireland at the World Expo in Shanghai.
