Offaly's Róisín plays prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York with Cross Border Orchestra

Local musician Róisín O’Connor recently saw her musical dreams come true when she took to the stage with The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland in New York’s famous Carnegie Hall.

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) took to the iconic stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City to celebrate their work and achievements in promoting peace, unity and tolerance in Ireland since their foundation in 1995. Significantly, the concert also marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Having just completed their annual ‘Peace Proms’ concert tour across Ireland and Northern Ireland where they played 17 sell-out arena concerts in Dublin, Belfast, Waterford and Limerick, the CBOI headed to New York for their historic concert on the world’s most prestigious stage at Carnegie Hall.

The 130-strong orchestra made up of talented young musicians from all over Ireland and Northern Ireland, delivered an epic performance at the iconic New York venue, earning thunderous applause and standing ovations.

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland's performance at Carnegie Hall was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a testament to the transformative power of music. Their unique blend of Irish and Ulster Scots music interwoven with the full symphony orchestra was both uplifting and moving, and reminded us all of the power of culture to bring people together and inspire hope for a brighter future.

But this was just the beginning of their adventure. The 130 talented musicians were given special VIP access and permission to perform Taylor Swift's hit song "Welcome to New York" at dawn from the Top of the Rock, at the Rockefeller Centre. It was a exhilarating experience! The CBOI also surprised commuters at Grand Central Station with a thrilling flash mob performance, showcasing their incredible talent to the delight of passers-by.

In addition, the CBOI had the opportunity to do a spontaneous performance for An Tánaiste Micheál Martin on Park Avenue, where he joined in the fun by conducting the group. The CBOI were also delighted to do a special performance at Xaverian High School in Brooklyn where they were also treated to a performance by the multi-award winning Xavarian Jazz Ensemble. Over a hundred of the CBOI parents were also delighted to march up 5th Avenue in the New York City’s St. Patrick’s Parade

During their trip, the CBOI also took in the sights and sounds of the city, including a walking tour of Manhattan that included a visit to the 9/11 memorial pools and Little Island. Along with taking in a show on Broadway, they also indulged in some famous New York cuisine, dining at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe and Ellen's Stardust Diner.

Asked to reflect on her experience, Róisín siad that the common language of music was the best part of the trip and that she has made wonderful friends from all over Ireland, North and South. It was the experience of a lifetime she said, and one that all young musicians could aspire to.