When the Directors of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland launched their national "Peace Proms" project last June, they could never have anticipated such an overwhelming response.

The project objective is to give the young people throughout Ireland the opportunity to perform with a 130 member full symphony orchestra. The project focus is on providing outstanding cultural opportunities for young people while promoting peace, unity and tolerance through music. The "Peace Proms" concert will take place at top venues throughout Ireland including the Waterfront Hall, Belfast; the Helix, Dublin; Cork and Galway, and comes to the Royal Theatre Mayo for two shows only at 3pm and 8pm on Sunday 13th February 2011. Schools throughout Mayo are already ringing to the sound of music as teachers prepare their students to perform with the orchestra in this unique music project. There has been a wonderful response for schools in Mayo and over 1,200 Mayo children will have the opportunity to take to the stage and be part of this very special performance.

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland gained international recognition following sell-out performances at world renowned Carnegie Hall, New York, Chicago Symphony Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, and throughout California and Europe. In October the orchestra is set to represent Ireland at the World Expo in Shanghai in what is sure to be one of their greatest achievements of the past 15 years.

Each year the CBOI works with up to 7,000 school children in counties throughout Ireland providing them with the opportunity to perform with a full symphony orchestra. Many teachers who have worked with the CBOI have described this project as "the highlight" of their teaching career. "Peace Prom" will be led by Ireland's premiere conductor Maestro Gearóid Grant, and will feature Ireland's best loved tenor Emmanuel Lawler, renowned Uilleann Piper Patrick Martin, and outstanding Violinist Patricia Treacy in addition to drum and piping corps.

The programme is packed full of family favourites and showstoppers like "Abba" as well as powerful anthems from the Ulster Scots and Irish traditions. The unique and magical sound of the CBOI is the best imaginable way to introduce young people to music. The CBOI has changed the concept of Orchestra into something powerful, moving and very very exciting This project is supported by the Department of Education and Skills; the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport; the Department of Foreign Affairs; Hilco UK; the Goodman Foundation; Louth County Council; Dundalk Town Council; Newry and Mourne District Council;Galway County and City Arts Councils; Cork County and City Arts Councils; Mayo Arts Council; Mayo Education Centre; Galway Education Centre; Cork Education Centres; Dundalk Education Centre; Navan Education Centre.

Tickets for "Peace Proms" are on sale from the Royal Theatre, Castlebar: www.TheRoyal.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie
Phone: 0801300000 or call in person to the Royal Theatre.

Find out more about the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland