Thanks in part to a grant from AIF, the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland performed to sell-out crowds in Carnegie Hall, New York and Symphony Hall, Boston in early November of 2005.

CBOI is a non-school based orchestra involving youth 12 to 24 years of age, both Catholic and Protestant, who live in the Irish border counties of Down, Derry, Tyrone, Armagh, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, and Cavan. This remarkable orchestra has received critical acclaim on all its tours throughout Europe and North America. They have performed in every major venue in Ireland, have won the Portadown Festival Senior Orchestra title several times, and have been four-time winners of the West Challenge Cup at Feis Ceoil in Ireland.

Their belief in the power of music and a passion for life glowed from prestigious Carnegie Hall and Symphony Hall, lighting the way for a continuation of this new era of peace in Ireland.

The acclaimed orchestra of 140 young people from Ireland and 1,000 children from Boston and New York thrilled audiences who responded with multiple standing ovations.