Celtic Woman: The women behind the Irish musical phenomenon

I saw them live in New Orleans and find them great Ambassadors for Ireland. I wondered, though, if they find the American audience a bit subdued compared with Irish audiences.

I think that some of their performances, while long on beauty, and I mean that in a musical as well as a visual sense, are a bit short on oomph, for want of a better word. I have heard many of these songs performed in a far more spirited way by others.

We just went to "Celtic Woman - Songs from the Heart" at Radio City Music Hall. The main problem with this show was that it was fun and interesting, and there is some real talent, but the musicianship IS more like a pop show and not, say, The Chieftans, who are devoted to showcasing Irish and international music with exceptional musicality. If you are someone who is accustomed to listening to classical music, or, for that matter, any music that requires technical skill wedded with moving interpretation, well, Celtic Woman is rather more a spectacle with almost no room for anything less than a 5 out of a 10, 1 being subtle or sublime and 10 being heavy, maybe not coarse, but blaring and just flat out loud. It was: pound pound pound accompanied by pretty voices. I was so sad to see the supremely sublime and almost mystical, "My Lagan Love" sung halfway with real feeling by a solo singer (as it should be), only to be inexplicably ruined by adding in unwanted, unneeded and unnecessary backup vocals!! What a huge shame! It started out as the best performance thus far and ended up being foiled by this unwanted arrangement. I am sorry that those who criticize the "Boston Globe" reviewer don't seem to understand what he is trying to say. Maybe it's because some listeners don't have the ear or training to know the difference between good musicianship and good pop.

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.

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.

over-packaged, over produced and over-marketed ....they are to Celtic music what processed food is to natural organic sustenance. God, they suck.

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!

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.

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.

When the group Celtic Woman first started, they were touted too much for us Celtic people as really good. It was like Louis Walsh and Boyzone money-making marketing all over again – if you’ve got it, flaunt it - and we know what happened to Boyzone. But these ladies have real talent. Not yer man Walsh’s. I think they’re great musicians, songsters and dancers. I’m not going to say a word about the sound and lighting effects (*whisper* - great stuff, you people). But sitting at home in me house, having chosen only what I think is good enough for my music library, the Celtic Woman group sounds like anyone else in me library... bemeselfjacers I say – just brilliant! And not a picture in sight as I listen.

I have been LUCKY enough to see C.W in person three times each time is better than the last. Sadly C.W. is not coming to my town this time around, my loss for sure. I have had the priviledge of meeting Mairead and Chloe as well as some of the band Ray, Nick, des and david himself along with Amy one of the chorus members. They All genuinely care about you as an individual, I feel. They truly are an Irish treasure shared with all America. One day I shall meet Lisa, Alex and Lynn as well. Til then I remain A huge fan of David Downes and The whole C.W experience

i have been LUCKY enough to see C.W in person three imes each time is better than the last. Sadly C.W. is not coming to my town this time around, my loss for sure. I have had the priviledge of meeting Maired and Chloe as well as some of the band Ray, Nick, des and david himself along with Amy one of the chorus members. They All genuinely care about you as an individual, I feel. They truly are an Irish treasure shared with all America. One day I shall meet Lisa, Alex and Lynn as well. Til then I remain A huge fan of David Downes and The whole C.W experience.

Celtic Women wearing green dresses and singing EVERGREEN IRELAND would really highlight their impressive vocal skills to a worldwide Irish Audience.

Celtic Women are fabulous - both as a group and idividually. Sometimes I think they are true Irish angels when I hear them singing.

Enjoy the music of Celtic women, but am very distracted by the lipsynching when the concerts on boadcasted on PBS.