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CBOI Shanghai Sensation

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) has just returned from what can only be described as a sensational trip of a lifetime to Shanghai where they performed seven sell out concerts in as many days.

When the CBOI was invited by the Irish Government to represent Ireland at EXPO 2010, Shanghai, Director Sharon Treacy-Dunne saw it as an historic once in a lifetime opportunity and simply too important to miss. Planning for the tour was horrendously complex and took over a year. A monumental amount of paper work and administration made preparations very difficult, not to mention the security checks, language barrier, volumes of dreaded red tape and foreign customs and laws associated with this post communist China. However, undeterred and supported by the Irish Ex-Pat community of Shanghai and the Irish Government, the group of 100 musicians and chaperones flew to Shanghai last week to begin a hectic schedule of performances.

Last week was the final week of EXPO 2010. Over the past six months 73 million people visited the Shanghai EXPO with almost 1 million a day visiting last week for the closing ceremonies. Following ensemble performances at the UK and Irish Pavilions, the CBOI\u2019s headline performance took place outdoors at Pacific Stage on Saturday evening before an audience of thousands who had started queuing for seats hours before the concert was scheduled to begin. The thousands who couldn\u2019t be seated were happy to stand for hours before the concert and for the entire 2 hour show. The CBOI give the performance of their lives and the audience simply went wild. The atmosphere was electric. Violinist Patricia Treacy, Uilleann Piper Patrick Martin, Tenor Emmanuel Lawler and the CBOI Drum and Piping Corps were a sensation. After numerous standing ovations and encores the CBOI left the stage but the Chinese audience did not want the concert to end and queued for autographs and photographs of orchestra members. The orchestra members said it was the most incredible experience of their lives, \u201cwe felt like real celebrities, we just loved it, it was amazing\u201d, said Niamh Holmes from Dundalk. CBOI conductor Gearid Grant who has conducted great orchestras all over the world described this concert as the highlight of his career.

And this was only the beginning. The CBOI then went on to perform at one of China\u2019s most prestigious venues, Shanghai Oriental Art Centre (SOAC) \u2013 the Carnegie Hall of China. Performances at SOAC are by invitation only as the hall is strictly governed and reserved for only the best orchestras in the world. Having heard the CBOI\u2019s CD, directors of SOAC issued an invitation to them to perform a headline concert which was sponsored by Shanghai Radio and broadcast live to an audience of over 23 million. Orchestra founder and director Sharon Treacy-Dunne described this as \u201cthe greatest imaginable honour\u201d. The orchestra was joined in concert by a youth choir of 350 members made up of young people from Shanghai\u2019s International Schools and Universities. The orchestra, choir and soloists gave the concert of their lives and the audience clapped and cheered in an unprecedented outpouring of appreciation. The concert was described by audience members as \u201cinspirational\u201d, \u201cuplifting, unforgettable\u201d and \u201cabsolutely thrilling\u201d.

Another highlight of the tour was an exclusive performance and dinner at the luxurious five-star Shangri-La Hotel for a VIP audience made up of the great and good of Shanghai. The performance billed as a \u201cLive Musical Brunch with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland\u201d was a total sell out. The entire event was masterminded and organised by hotel Manager Peter Clarke originally from Ardee, Co. Louth. The CBOI has performed at many Gala dinners over the years but nothing could ever compare to the stunning Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel and the sheer perfection with which it was set out with breath taking attention to detail. Peter Clarke is a brilliant Manager and with him at the helm it is no surprise that the Shanghai Shangri-La ranks 2nd in Asia and 9th in the world for quality and class. This was the final concert and so the orchestra was determined to be as brilliant as possible. Again they played \u2018out of their skins\u2019 giving one of the best performances in their 15 year history. The audience loved them and applauded and cheered them all the way. Standing ovations had been the order of the day and this performance was no exception.

Additional performances were hosted by Concordia International School thanks to co-ordinator Mr Steven Nurre and Shanghai American International School thanks to the Director of SAS Performing Arts Centre Mr Doug Hundley. Both were packed to capacity with the orchestra giving sensational performances and receiving multiple standing ovations.

But it wasn\u2019t all work for the Dundalk based orchestra. In addition to sampling authentic Chinese cuisine, the group was treated daily to five-star catering at the magnificent Shangri-La Hotel courtesy of Peter Clarke who also instructed his staff to open the hotel\u2019s sweet shop and ice cream parlour free of charge for all CBOI members. \u201cIt was like candy heaven \u2013 we couldn\u2019t believe it \u2013 we just didn\u2019t want to leave\u201d, remarked orchestra member Fiona Molloy from Kilkerley. When organising the tour, CBOI Director wanted to make sure that all the members experienced real Chinese culture and so included in the itinerary were a river boat cruise by night; a visit to the world famous Era Acrobatic show; shopping trips to Shanghai markets; a visit to the World\u2019s highest observatory and sky walk at Shanghai\u2019s World Trade Centre; and a visit to the 400 year old Yu Yuan gardens.

The CBOI owes a huge debt of gratitude to all who helped make this tour a once in a lifetime experience especially John Kennedy, Commissioner General Ireland Pavilion / Office of An Taoiseach, and the Irish Government who provided funding for the tour. Thanks also to Mr. Eoin Murphy, Former President and Founder of Le Cheile, Shanghai. Eoin along with Le Cheile members Mrs. Bernadette Dietsche and Mr and Mrs James and Jiale Ryan provided enormous on the group support for the CBOI prior to and during their tour. Huge thanks also to Mr. Oliver Rassat Director EU Pavilion - EXPO 2010 Shanghai who coordinated and organized CBOI performance at Pacific Square on behalf of Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Thanks also to Sinead Sullivan, Office of An Taoiseach; Mrs. Bernadette Dietsche, Treasurer, Le Cheile. CBOI China Liaison; Mr. and Mrs. James and Jiale Ryan, Le Cheile/ Ireland Pavilion/ 411Galeries / ELS Express Freight Forwarding; Mr. Ting Zhong Deng, Le Cheile, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland; Mr Oliver Rassat, Director EU Pavilion - EXPO 2010 Shanghai; Ms. Carolyn, Shao Shijie, Expo Events Bureau, Shanghai; Mr. Zhou Bin, Expo Events Bureau, Shanghai; Mr. David Martin, Deputy Pavilion Director British Pavilion EXPO 2010, British Consulate General, Shanghai; Mr. Paul Howson, Director of Events, British Pavilion, EXPO 2010;Mr. James Welch, EXPO 2010 Technical Adviser and Stage Manager, UK Pavilion, British Consulate General; Mr. Peter Clarke, General Manager, Shangre-La Hotel, Shanghai; Mr Stephen Keenan, Saffron Travel; Concordia International School: Steve Nurre, Meg Ideker and Rob Chapman; Dulwich International School: Joanne Brooke and Stephanie Grafe; Shanghai Community International School: Angela McKeown; Western International School: Anne Drouet; Shanghai American School: Doug Hundley and Karolina Pek; Yew Chung International School of Shanghai: Sally Davis; Fudan University: Michelle Liang.

For further information please contact:
Sharon Treacy-Dunne. 00353868283268
crossborderorchestra@eircom.net

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CBOI 10th Anniversary Strauss Ball

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland presents the 10th Anniversary Strauss Ball

For the ULTIMATE Christmas night out, why not dance the night away at Dundalk\u2019s 10th Anniversary Strauss Ball.

Saturday 18th December. 8pm


The Ball includes:

Dancing to 100 piece orchestra
Music by the renowned Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland
Premier National conductor Maestro Gearid Grant
Musical interludes by top violinist Patricia Treacy
Vocal Interlude by Daire Stanley
Champagne Reception 7 Course Banquet
Late night dancing and DJ

The unique Ball is a wonderful opportunity to get dressed up in the ball gown of your dreams, and waltz the night away to a 100 piece orchestra. This is a night for friends, family, work colleagues and everyone to enjoy the glamour and glitz of this enchanting and spectacular night out.

Individual, Group and Corporate booking taken.

Tickets priced \u20ac100 are available from Ticketmaster of the Fairways Hotel at:
042 9321 500 or info@fairways.ie

For more information visit www.cboi.ie or the www.fairways.ie

Special Ball and Board packages available from the Fairways Hotel


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CBOI Feature on UTV

The Cross Border Orchestra Of Ireland was in the spotlight once again this past week, appearing on the popular UTV programme, The 7.30 Show.

The show ran a feature on the CBOI covering the acclaimed group's history and background and highlighting how they have successfully achieved their objective of bringing together young people from different backgrounds through the powerful medium of music.

Presenter Malachi Cush along with a UTV film crew paid a visit to the CBOI at Saval GAC Centre on Sunday 7th November where two "Peace Proms" concerts were held. Featuring along with the CBOI were over 400 local children who formed the choir for the concerts.

Malachi interviewed CBOI Director Sharon Treacy-Dunne along with orchestra members including violinist Deirdre Kenny, Drummer William Millar, and Highland Piper Ashley Hassin. They highlighted the core message of the CBOI; and gave an insight into their recent tour to China where they played to thousands of delighted concert-goers in a monumental exchange of culture at the World Expo.

The full show can be viewed online at UTV.co.uk, with the CBOI segment beginning 14minutes into the programme.

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CBOI Welcomes Tipperary Crystal

The Cross Border Orchestra relies heavily on the support of its members and sponsors. We are grateful for all of their support and are proud to introduce our newest sponsor, Tipperary Crystal.
The Cross Border Orchestra relies heavily on the support of its members and sponsors. We are grateful for all of their support and are proud to introduce our newest sponsor, Tipperary Crystal.


Tipperary Crystal has a proud tradition of designing giftware for customers both in Ireland and overseas since 1988.

Ireland\u2019s most talented designers create modern, classical collections for Tipperary Crystal. Each season, our designers craft new products and new ranges which reflect their individual styles and contemporary design trends.

From traditional to more modern crystal, Tipperary Crystal is always identifying new, complimentary product ranges. The company has diversified into giftware, ceramics and textiles.

TV chef Rachel Allen, fashion designer Louise Kennedy, world renowned artist Graham Knuttel and restaurateur Patrick Guilbaud design these new ranges for Tipperary Crystal and are among our brand ambassadors.

tipperarycrystal.com


Visit our sponsors on www.cboi.ie for more information on becoming a sponsor


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Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon Cooks Up A Storm

World renowned Chef and TV personality Kevin Dundon hosted a fabulous cookery demonstration in Dundalk's Fairways Hotel on Wednesday 13th of October. The evening was part of a series of fund-raising events in aid of CBOI.

As chef and proprietor of Dunbrody Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Kevin has been visited by clients such as President McAleese, Bono and comedian TV presenter Graham Norton. Dundon has also cooked for Monarchs and Presidents including Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and former US President, George W. Bush.

The evening proved to be a great success with Kevin showcasing his expertise and preparing such dishes as Sesame Crusted Pork with Saut Potatoes, Oriental Salmon with Fragrant Broth and Creamy Potato & Thyme Soup With Bacon Lardons. The multi-award winner Dundon delighted the crowd with many getting the opportunity to taste freshly prepared treats like Blue Cheese & Walnut Scones and Rocky Road Squares straight from the oven.

Those in attendance had the oppurtunity to sample some of Ireland's finest produce in our Fine Food Fair featuring a wide selection of local traders. Quality food and drink was availble at stalls from McAteer\u2019s Good Food House; R. Q. O\u2019Neill's and Cooley Distillery. Alan McGuinness was on hand representing the Dundalk Wine Circle with stalls from the Baytree Restaurant, Food For Thought, Carlingford and Ravensdale Country Market proving popular. Also showcasing their produce were Aruna Sauces; Bia Blasta Sauces; Fuchsia House, Ardee; Glyde Farm Produce; Bellingham Blue Cheese and Derrycamma Farm with their award-winning rape seed oil for cooking. Kitty Confections were also a hit with their wonderful home made chocolates and sweets along with Burke\u2019s Jersey Ice Cream and their sumptuous ice cream made from the milk of their own Jersey Cow Herd. The proverbial icing on the cake of the fair was Chapel Cross Cakes, showcasing their luxurious wedding and celebration cakes.

After the demonstration Kevin gladly posed for photographs with fans and autographed copied of his newest book: Great Family Food. For more information on Kevin Dundon visit his offical website - kevindundon.com


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CBOI on Facebook and Twitter

Members of social network sites Facebook and Twitter can now keep up to date through the new official pages for the Cross Border Orchestra.

You can now become a fan of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland on our official facebook page. Click the link www.facebook.com/crossborderorchestra and join our growing community. We'll keep you updated with all the latest photos from concerts and other events and you'll be able to leave comments and join in on dscussions. Please become a fan and suggest us to your friends.

Users of Twitter can also follow us at twitter.com/cboiofficial and keep up to date with all the most recent news and announcments s they are made. Just visit our Twitter page via the link above and click "follow". If you are not currently a member of facebook oe twitter, the signup process just takes a minute.


Please visit the following URL in your web browser to unsubscribe -
http://clicks.emsg-live.co.uk/profile/S-17251@9738579@1