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Pupils from seven local Primary Schools took part in the recent Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) Belfast Peace Proms Show 2024. St. Malachy’s P.S. and St. Laurence O’Toole P.S, Belleeks. were amongst the star performers at the show, performing to two sold-out Peace Proms 2024 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 Newry schools were joined by guests of honour at the lunchtime show, Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly MLA representing the First Minister.
The Peace Proms concert series performed two 90 minute shows of exhilarating performances of music and dance which captivated the Belfast audiences during the unforgettable 90 minutes shows!
Established in 1995, the orchestra has been at the forefront of music education while promoting peace, unity and tolerance on the island of Ireland. The Peace Proms 2024 is a testament to the young musicians and performers remarkable work and achievements. All the shows have captivated audiences across the island with a hugely popular series of seventeen Peace Proms concerts. These concerts commenced at the University of Limerick (January 27) and continued to Dublin, Belfast and the final two shows in Waterford.
These concerts featured 35,000 children from every corner of the island under the direction of the distinguished conductor Greg Beardsell and 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. The orchestra’s impactful performances at national and international events have consistently conveyed messages of reconciliation, healing and hope.
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 power sharing 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 of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, King Charles, former U.S. President Barrack Obama, U.S. President Biden and the late Queen Elizabeth.
The CBOI extends its heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, including the Goodman Foundation, Louth Meath Education and Training Board, the Arts Council of Ireland, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Department of Education and Skills, MediLink Ambulance Service, as well as all volunteers and supporters. Their generosity enables the CBOI to spread the joy of music and peace to children, families, schools, and communities globally.
