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Celtic Woman: The women behind the Irish musical phenomenon

By
Aliah O'Neill
,
Irish America Magazine
Published Thursday, January 21, 2010, 11:14 PM
Updated Friday, January 22, 2010, 5:09 PM
Read more: Celtic Woman, United States, Celtic Music, Entertainment, Music, Regional Music, Ireland

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Lisa Kelly, Lynn Hilary, Máiread Nesbitt, Alex Sharpe and Chloe Agnew of Celtic Woman.

In 2008, Celtic Woman’s album The Greatest Journey Essential Collection debuted at number one on Billboard’s World Music chart. Three of their albums combined have held the number one position for ninety consecutive weeks. Now, having sold over 50 million records worldwide, the multi-platinum Irish darlings of PBS are releasing their fifth studio album on January 26th.

Celtic Woman seems to be an unstoppable force, but few knew that the group would see more than a night of success. Originally, Celtic Woman was set to perform a one-night show with members Chloë Agnew, Órla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha and Máiréad Nesbitt. None of these singers had worked together before or knew each other, but under the musical direction of David Downes, they performed to a sold-out audience for the first time in 2004 for PBS Television in Dublin.

Despite changes in the lineup since then (according to statements released by Celtic Woman, Ní Mhaolchatha and Fallon both left to pursue solo careers), the quintet has continued to captivate audiences, specifically American ones, up into the new decade.

The answer as to why American audiences have responded so enthusiastically to Celtic Woman has not always been clear. When I asked Lynn Hilary, who joined the group in 2007, why she thought American audiences continue to be so responsive to Celtic Woman, she admitted that at first, she wasn’t sure. “I didn’t really understand it for a long time, that they would react in such a way,”  she said. “They’d be crying and on their feet every night applauding us. But American people really identify with Ireland, and a lot of Americans have Irish in their ancestry, so Celtic Woman allows them to re-identify with their roots and gives them a feeling of belonging.”

Alex Sharpe, who became a permanent member in 2009 for the Isle of Hope tour, added, “I think without America, to be honest, Celtic Woman would not be the success that they are. It was only supposed to be a one-night special, but Americans have taken us into their hearts and really embraced Celtic Woman.”

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Posted by scotty60 on Mar 07, 2010, 04:16 AM EST
I also seen celtic women on a pbs special and thought,it was the best live concert so far.Im irish american,and wish i could see them in person.
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Posted by Watereskhill on Jan 24, 2010, 01:12 PM EST
I first saw Celtic Women on a PBS Special and was captivated being Irish born and raised. When my Birthday rolled round my American girlfriend surprized me with front-row tickets to see them live in Concert! I knew the lyrics to many of the ballads having grown up in a musical household in Ireland and sing Baritone in a Chorale here. A part of me wanted to hum or 'sing along' but of course kept quiet. This was not an Irish Pub. So I lip-sync'd, and at times closed my eyes for the harmonies were exquisite. One of them must have noticed how much I was enjoying the evening for after they sang a second 'encore' when they finally held hands at the front of the stage and bowed she leanded forward gave me a little wave and smile with 'good man yourself' It was the best.
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Posted by hyperion on Jan 23, 2010, 04:58 PM EST
over-packaged, over produced and over-marketed ....they are to Celtic music what processed food is to natural organic sustenance. God, they suck.
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Posted by gretchenkohls on Jan 23, 2010, 04:17 AM EST
Celtic Women is finally coming into their well-deserved own. Having been raised on Irish music (seanacchie grandad, fiddle players aplenty, and ballads), I sang, played and lived the music. Marriage to a non-Celtic appreciative German didn't kill me - only made me stronger!
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Posted by rickirvine on Jan 23, 2010, 01:35 AM EST
Their music is as beautiful as they are. I intentionally scheduled my leave (vacation) from Afghanistan so that I could make their Redrocks, Colorado concert in 2009. Their music is an eseential part of my day here in Iraq, and was while I was in Afghanistan. The days would have been miserable without it. Thank You Celtic Women for your contribution to the beauty of the world.
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Posted by pkeoughan on Jan 22, 2010, 10:56 PM EST
Love this article, especially the videos. The music of these women really moves me, their voices are pure and strong, their harmonies like a choir of angels. The chorus and musicians, give me chills when they back them up for a full blown piece. On PBS I enjoy the backgrounds of Slane Castle and Powerscourt and even the pyrotechnics. I especially like the Celtic music, but enjoy the contemporary songs, too. I was in the front row of the Wang center in Boston last March, feeling like I was inside the music. It was the most powerful musical experience of my life. I never get tired of hearing them.






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