Pupils from three Fermanagh Primary Schools recently took part in a spectacular concert in the Slieve Russell Hotel.

Pupils from St Mary's Primary School. Newtownbutler, led by teachers Carmel Maguire and Rosemary Grew, were privileged to perform recently as part of the Cross Border Choir to accompany the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland. They were joined by St Mary's Primary School, Teemore, and St Ninnidh's Primary School, Derrylin,

They children had the unique opportunity of performing with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland. The Orchestra is made up of 160 young people from counties and traditions on both sides of the Border. For the performance, they were joined by 650 children from Cavan and Fermanagh, who made up two choirs to sing with the orchestra on what proved to be an exciting and spectacular occasion in the Slieve Russell Hotel.

After a well scripted introduction by Peter Quinn, the evening opened with the Cross Border Orchestra (CBOI) under the sure hand of legendary conductor Maestro Gearoid Grant, whose energy and dynamism is remarkable. The haunting, foreboding tones of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' permeated the auditorium as Gearóid launched us on an extraordinary musical journey. From the foot-tapping, hand-jiving rhythms of 'The Great Escape' and 'Abba', to powerful anthems on Highland Pipes and Lambeg drums, the audience was riveted to their seats. Special guest tenor Emmanuel Lawler sang uplifting renditions of 'Love Changes Everything', 'You Raise Me Up' and other showstoppers, and was greeted by cheers and rapturous applause. Renowned Uilleann Patrick Martin joined the orchestra for hauntingly beautiful renditions of excerpts from Sean Davy's 'Brendan Voyage', among others.

The 650 Cavan /Fermanagh children who made up the choirs added a touch of magic to the performances when they joined the orchestra to sing several fun filled choral pieces such as a medley from 'High School Musical' and 'We Go Together' from Grease. It was stunning to witness the vast children's choir, join forces with the orchestra at intervals throughout the concerts.

It is remarkable to think that 650 children from 23 schools in Cavan and Fermanagh formed the two choirs which performed with the CBOI in the Slieve Russell on Sunday.

However it was the finale of the night which had the audience on the edge of their seats as the entire cast of orchestra, Uilleann pipes, Highland pipes, drums, soloists and choir united for 'Ireland's Call' and a standing ovation.