It has been “such a difficult time – worse than last year in some ways,” says Sharon Treacy Dunne, director of The Cross Border Orchestra.

As well as canceling their 25th anniversary concert which would have seen them return to New York’s famous Carnegie Hall in October 2020, they also had to cancel the hugely popular 2021 Peace Proms tour.

This fall, they announced details of the 2022 Peace Proms tour in February and March, with dates in Ireland and the UK, but the number of cases is already rising and the specter of the new Omicron variant is casting a shadow over it. these plans.

“After 17 months of Zoom rehearsals and overwhelming video editing, the orchestra resumed live rehearsals in August,” says Sharon.

“We have to put all kinds of security measures in place, from separating wood and brass using screens, to Co2 monitors, to disinfection misters – you name it.”]

“But we are so lucky to be based at Coláiste Chu Chulainn and to have the support of Director Tomas Sharkey, who has been amazing, and the use of the incredible facilities and spaces there.”

She says at this point the orchestra is the best they’ve ever been and they’re ready to hit the road.

All of their Peace Proms school choirs rehearse the best they can and are so excited about concerts.

“But between the very high incidence of COVID-29 among schoolchildren and now Omicron causing major uncertainty,” she said.

“Everyone’s safety is our top priority and so we had to put tickets on hold until we knew more. We are determined to launch concerts in the New Year! We may have to push back our dates, but we will do everything possible to achieve them.

Longer term, they plan to postpone their 25th anniversary concert at Carnegie Hall for St. Patrick’s Day 2023.