Celtic Thunder

Irish Singers Take the World by Storm

First Show: Helix Theater, Dublin, Ireland in August, 2007
First DVD: Celtic Thunder: The Show aired 1200 times during 2008 on US PBS Television stations
First DVD: Ranked Number 1 PBS Television presentation in the entire US during all of 2008.
First CD: Celtic Thunder ranked #1 on Billboard Top World Albums Chart March thru Sept. 2008
Second CD: Celtic Thunder: Act II #1 on Billboard Top World Albums Chart Oct. thru Dec., 2008
First US Tour: Oct thru Dec, 2008: rave reviews, standing ovations, sellout crowds in 50 cities.
Billboard Magazine Names Celtic Thunder: The Show as the 2008 Top World Music Album
St. Patrick's Day, 2009: Celtic Thunder invited to sing for President Barrack Obama at the White House.
2009 North American Tour proclaimed success with sold out venues and standing room only crowds.

Celtic Music Touring Group

Celtic Thunder: The Show
Membership
Production Credits
Television Appearances
Tour Appearances
Song List CD/DVD

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Celtic Thunder: The Show

Celtic Thunder is a new Celtic music sensation, composed of 5 Celtic male soloists whose "sounds form a symphony." Their debut live performance, is billed as "Celtic Thunder: The Show" and took place in August of 2007 at the Helix Theater located on the Dublin City University campus in Dublin, Ireland.

A DVD and CD of that performance was released worldwide in February, 2008, and

Celtic Thunder: The Show

immediately soared to the top of the Billboard Top World Albums chart. It was listed in the number one slot for six months -- until the group's second CD, Celtic Thunder Act II was released in September, 2008. That CD took the number one chart position away, relegating the first CD to number two. This is only the fourth time in the history of the Billboard Top World Albums chart that the same group occupied the top two chart positions. In January, 2009, Billboard Magazine bestowed upon Celtic Thunder: The Show, the Top World Music Album of the Year award.

According to Sharon Browne , the originator and producer, "Celtic Thunder: The Show is a celebration of the Celtic heritage and men -- their loves, attitudes, individuality, power and strength, throughout life's journey." Browne has worked in the music industry for over 20 years, including K-Tel and Celtic Collections, Ireland's premier music label, and had been instrumental in the formation of another Celtic group, all-female "Celtic Woman", and conceived and formed "Celtic Thunder" in association with Music Director Phil Coulter, the famous Irish composer and arranger whose resume' includes working with music legends, Bono, Elvis Presley, Bobby Vinton, Waylon Jennings, Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, Quincy Jones, Richard Harris, and Henry Mancini. His recording and performance credits include 23 platinum discs, 36 gold discs, 52 silver discs, 3 ASCAP awards, nomination for a Grammy, and numerous other awards and recognitions. He has been described as having "boundless enthusiasm...a command of orchestral textures and an unerring ear for a great song."[1]

Together with Browne, Coulter says they "unearthed five exceptional lads who ticked all the boxes" from all over Ireland and Scotland. Joining with each of the singers, Browne and Coulter crafted an eclectic mix of music for the group's premier concert, featuring arrangements by Coulter written specifically for Celtic Thunder, the Celtic Concert Orchestra, a full band with backup singers, costuming tailored to each performer's personality, choreographed "scenarios" for each musical act, colorful dramatic lighting to enhance the "mood" of each song, visual effects reinforcing the impact of the music, and they supervised construction of a stage set that resembled an ancient stone pathway and steps reflective of those abounding in Celtic lore. In the Helix Theater production, the cast included approximately 100 professional singers and musicians, dancers, and contributors to the authentic Celtic aura intended by the creators. The performance combines the best attributes of a concert, a Broadway musical, an Italian opera, and a Shakespearian play, with synergy, electricity, dazzle, smoke, lightning, and an explosion of sounds -- and the impact simply takes your breath away, clouds your eyes with tears of joy and exhilaration, and, if you are of Irish heritage, pride.

Membership

The soloists include Damian McGinty, age 16, and Keith Harkin, 22, both from County Derry, Northern Ireland, Paul Byrom, 30, of County Dublin, Ireland, Ryan Kelly, 30, of County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and George Donaldson, 41, from Glasgow, Scotland.

Damian McGinty, born in 1992, is the youngest member of the group. He lives in and

attends school and participates in a drama society in County Derry, where he won a singing competition at age six, and another in 2006. He is a member of the folk group at his church, and recorded CDs including one of gospel music and another for a local non-profit organization, Foyle Hospice. He has also performed at fund-raising concerts for the Red Cross and at the Millennium Forum for the Derry City.Football Team. According to Sharon Browne, "Damian's excitement and enthusiasm for Celtic Thunder is infectious,and there is no way he would not be part of this stellar group of young men."[1] Damian has a HUGH following of teen fans around the globe as evidenced by the outstretched arms when he tosses a tee shirt their way, or falls to his knees while grabbing his heart, and expressing his love. Screams of excited teenyboppers are reminiscent of the early days of the Beatles. Blame Damian if YOUR daughter or granddaughter drops out of school and becomes a groupie.

Keith Harkin, born in 1987, has been singing since he was four years old, and is an

accomplished songwriter, guitarist, and actor. In addition to his original compositions for the "Celtic Thunder" show, Harkin's credits include winning the Derry Feis on numerous occasions, playing at the Tavistock Festival in the UK in 2005, playing the lead in the 2006 BBC production of "Dha Theanga", and in 2007 appeared in concerts as the opening act for performers John Martyn, The Undertones and David Kitt, and has been working on his own album, and is regularly interviewed on Radio Foyle in Derry, Northern Ireland.[1] Keith's voice, musical virtuosity, original compositions and "surfer dude" charisma add a wonderful dimension to the show. Keith has ignited many wars among young women fighting for his attentions as they follow his career. When you attend a live performance, ask some of the young ladies around you where they are from and which performer they came to see. Invariably, they will have traveled over a thousand miles to see (yet again), Keith. Maybe this time he will wave to them, or smile at them, or stoop down and reach out his hand toward them. He kindles their hope with a glance, a smile, a twinkle in his eyes, as he uses his unique timing and phrasing of the lyrics to win more hearts of even newer fans.

Paul Byrom, born in 1979, has been singing professionally for over 15 years, beginning

vocal studies and training at age seven under Dr. Veronica Dunne, Ireland's renown vocal teacher, and "leading lady" of opera. Starting his professional singing career as a soprano at age 14, when he recorded his first album, and now as a tenor, he has performed all over the world. His first solo album, "Velvet", released in 2005, is a collection of songs from the American Matinee era, and sales of the album ranked him a solid #2 in the music charts, and made him a household name in Ireland. His last three concerts at the National Concert Hall in Dublin were sold out. He has also sung at major sporting events in Ireland and abroad, including singing at the All Ireland Finals in Dublin's Croke Park, and at Heinz Field for a Pittsburg Steelers game in the USA. He has also performed for Ireland's President, Mary McAleese, and for Emperor Akihito of Japan, and in 2008 recorded a solo Christmas album.[1] Paul's "velvet voiced" "crooner" singing style rivals Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Andy Williams in quality. His faithfulness, love for, and loyalty to his "woman" is evident when his face expresses his forlorn hopelessness as he loses his lady to a competing suitor yet again. Paul is a masterful actor and singer, and plays to and for the audience, delivering exactly what they expect and deserve.

Ryan Kelly, born in 1978, started his singing career at age 7, singing in choirs, and enjoys singing both traditional and folk music. Also an actor, he has played

the part of Judas Iscariot in a production of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" as well as a lead in a production of "Blood Brothers". He also performed live before an audience of 8000 in the "Children in Need" charity concert televised live on BBC from the Odyssey in Balfast, and, in 2003, placed second in a "Country Cool" competition on BBC Television. In March, 2007, he was selected as County Tyrone's Singing Champion at the SCOR competition. At Belfast's Queen's University, Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Accounting, and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Ryan makes a habit of stealing the hearts and attention of women with his "bad boy" demeanor and reputation as he stalks across the stage circling his prey, ready to snare her heart in his cold trap, watching aloofly as she loves his attention, cherishing every minute during his purposeful pursuit. There is no doubt that Ryan takes devilish delight in playing his role of ravishing the hearts of young ladies.

George Donaldson was born in 1967, and is a well-known balladeer, guitarist, and flutist in

Glasgow, Scotland. He also plays the banjo, mandolin, and bodhran, and is learning to play violin in an effort to help his daughter learn that instrument, and is attempting to master the German language. He has performed on BBC Television in Scotland, at the famous Barrowlands, at Jinty McGintys, the Celtic Connections, and at the West End Festival in Glasgow. He has played at folk music venues in Europe and North America, and has played alongside Jim McCann and the Dubliners. At Scotland's Celtic Park, Donaldson played to 65,000 fans at the opening match of the 2000/01 season. George's ballads bring tears to the eyes of grown men through his vocalizations which at once evoke emotions of sincerity, love, honesty, conviction, and courage. Even though he has sung some of his solos hundreds of times, you can often glimpse a tear in his own eyes as he emotes the gut-wrenching meanings of the lyrics from the depths of his soul, using his resonant voice as a tool to carve out the message. Songs about death, divorce, and the hard work necessary to grow a marriage are not delivered by any other performer with as much impact. When George kneels down or sits on a chair and lowers his tone to a barely audible whisper, you better get your handkerchief ready.

Production Credits

"Celtic Thunder: The Show" was created and produced by Sharon Browne, and features 29 musical selections conducted by Music Director Phil Coulter, and show Director Julia Knowles. Musical Arrangements were composed by Phil Coulter, Dave Gold, and Michael Kenney. Most of the music was backed by the Celtic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Niccola Sweeney, and featuring the beautiful and talented cellist, Megan Sherwood.

Zara Curtis and Paul Byrum

Zara Curtis, a professional dancer who previously performed around the world with the Riverdance tour, makes many beautifully executed artistic contributions to the Celtic Thunder show. The "Celtic Thunder" band also accompanied the group on most songs, and included Brendan Monaghan playing whistles, pipes, guitar, and bodhran, Dave Cooke playing keyboards, Neil Byrne singing backup vocals and playing guitar, Nigel Wheatley, backup vocals and playing bass guitar, and Rory McCarron and Audrey Bridgeman thrilling the audience with their tremendous percussion talents on Page Drums specifically designed and manufactured for the show, plus an authentic Celtic Bagpipe/Drum Unit composed of Andrew Carlisle, Shane Culleton, Chris McNicholl, David Stone, and Mark Wilson. "Monks" Alex Browne, Killian Buckley, Greg Howie, Andy Lawler, and Ian McKinley also provided authentic atmosphere to the musical scenes.

Belinda Murphy supervised Choreography, Peter Barnes designed the set and lighting system, coordinating professional craftsmen from Justlite and Hangman/Metalman, as well as set carpenters,

Ryan Kelly and Megan Sherwood

fabricators, and artists. The costumes of the vocalists were designed by Sinead Cuthbert, suits by Louis Copeland with assistance from Deputy Costume designer Therese McKeone, Tailor Denis Darcy, Wardrobe Supervisor Veerle Dehaene assisted by Richard Green. The dresses for female performers were designed by Synan O'Mahony, with Foundation Hair by Tony Mulvany. Makeup artistry was by Zoe Clark, assisted by Helen Moloney. Sound Director Enda Walsh coordinated the efforts of Recording Engineer Michael Keeney, RF Coordinator Michael Kielty, RF Technician Patrick Doherty, Live Sound Technician Kevin McGing, Sound Stage Technician Oran Burns, with Backline engineering by Fred Burke.

Television Appearances

Beginning in March, 2008, the Celtic Thunder has been featured throughout the US on the PBS television network more than 1200 times, and during May and June, 2008, members of the group were interviewed on dozens of local PBS stations during the performances of their show. In January, 2009, it was announced by PBS that their presentations of Celtic Thunder: The Show nationwide was their number 1 presentation during the entire year 2008.

Tour Appearances

In December, 2008 Celtic Thunder completed an extraordinarily successful three-month, fifty city tour of the US to rave reviews, standing ovations, and sell-out crowds. The US touring contingent was composed of the five male vocalists, ten musicians including violinists, a cellist, percussionists, and guitarists, a keyboarder, bagpipe player and a flutist, a professional dancer, several "monks", and numerous technicians, stagehands, bus and truck drivers, and other support personnel.

In March, 2009, the Celtic Thunder North American tour will begin. Check the link to the official Celtic Thunder website for the latest tour dates and venue information. The 2009 tour will include more performances in Canada to satisfy requests from fans there.

Song List CD/DVD

Click on the Song for the lyrics, and on the word Video to view clip.
To purchase download, click on Download.
NOTICE: PLEASE PURCHASE MUSIC FROM AUTHORIZED VENDORS ONLY.

Celtic Thunder: The Show (CD)

(Ranked #1 on Billboard Top World Albums Chart - March thru September, 2008)

(Ranked # 1 on the iTunes World Music Chart - April, 2008)

(Ranked in Top Five in all album sales by Amazon last week of March, 2008)

1.) Heartland – Ensemble (written by Phil Coulter)    YouTube Video     Download
2.) The Mountains Of Mourne – Harkin (traditional) YouTube Video    Download
3.) The Voyage – Donaldson (written by Johnny Duhan) YouTube Video    Download
4.) Come By The Hills (Buachaill On Eirne) – McGinty (traditional) YouTube Video    Download
5.) Remember Me (Recuerdame) – Byrom (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video     Download
6.) Desperado – Kelly (written by Glenn Frey and Don Hensley) YouTube Video    Download
7.) Steal Away – Ensemble (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
8.) The Island – Harkin (written by Paul Brady) YouTube Video    Download
9.) The Old Man – Donaldson (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
10.) Brothers In Arms – Kelly (written by Mark Knopfler) YouTube Video    Download
11.) Cal / Local Hero – Orchestral (written by Mark Knopfler) YouTube Video     Download
12.) Lauren & I – Harkin (written by Keith Harkin) YouTube Video    Download
13.) She – Byrom (written by Charles Aznavour and Herbert Kretzmer) YouTube Video    Download
14.) Ireland's Call – Ensemble (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
15.) Puppy Love - McGinty (written by Paul Anka) YouTube Video    Download

Celtic Thunder: Act II (CD)

(Ranked #1 on Billboard Top World Albums Chart - October thru December, 2008)

1.) Ride On - Kelly (written by Jimmy MacCarthy) YouTube Video Download
2.) A Bird Without Wings – McGinty, Donaldson (written by Coulter/Chapman) YouTube Video Download

3.) My Boy - Donaldson (written by Phil Coulter)  YouTube Video    Download
4.) Raggle Taggle Gypsy – Ensemble (traditional)  YouTube Video    Download
5.) Love Thee Dearest – Byrom (traditional)  YouTube Video    Download
6.)  I Want To Know What Love Is - Harkin (written by Mick Jones)  YouTube Video    Download
7.) Heartbreaker – Kelly (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video     Download
8.) Mull Of Kintyre - Ensemble (written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine)  YouTube Video    Download
9.) Nights In White Satin – Byrom (written by Justin Hayward)  YouTube Video    Download
10.) Young Love – McGinty (written by Ric Cartey and Carol Joyner)  YouTube Video    Download
11.) Y esterday’s Men - Donaldson (Mass Release) (Coulter/Martin)  YouTube Video    Download
12.) That’s A Woman – Byrom, Kelly, Curtis (written by Phil Coulter)  YouTube Video    Download
13.) Danny Boy  – Kelly (Lyrics by Frederick Weatherly, Music by Percy Grainger)  YouTube Video     Download
14.) Caledonia – Ensemble (written by Dougie MacLean)  YouTube Video     Download
15.) Heartland – Ensemble (written by Phil Coulter)  YouTube Video    Download
16.) Castles In The Air – Keith Harkin (written by Don McLean) YouTube Video     Download
17.) Christmas 1915 - Ensemble (PBS Version Only) (Written by Cormac McConnell) YouTube Video    Download

Celtic Thunder: The Show (DVD)

(Ranked #6 on Tower Video Top 100 Popular Music Bestsellers in 2008)

1.) Heartland – Ensemble (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
2.) The Mountains Of Mourne – Harkin (traditional) YouTube Video    Download
3.) Raggle Taggle Gypsy – Ensemble (traditional) YouTube Video    Download
4.) Ride On - Kelly   (written by Jimmy MacCarthy) YouTube Video   Download
5.) Come By The Hills (Buachaill On Eirne) – McGinty (traditional) YouTube Video    Download
6.) The Old Man – Donaldson (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
7.) Love Thee Dearest – Byrom (traditional) YouTube Video    Download
8.) Heartbreaker – Kelly (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video     Download
9.) Nights In White Satin – Byrom (written by Justin Hayward) YouTube Video    Download
10.) A Bird Without Wings – McGinty, Donaldson (written by Coulter/Chapman) YouTube Video    Download
11.) The Voyage – Donaldson (written by Johnny Duhan) YouTube Video    Download
12.) The Island – Harkin (written by Paul Brady) YouTube Video    Download
13.) Brothers In Arms – Kelly (written by Mark Knopfler) YouTube Video    Download
14.) Mull Of Kintyre - Ensemble (written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine) YouTube Video    Download
15.) Puppy Love - McGinty (written by Paul Anka) YouTube Video    Download
16.) Lauren & I – Harkin (written by Keith Harkin YouTube Video    Download
17.) Steal Away – Ensemble (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
18.) Remember Me (Recuerdame) – Byrom (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video     Download
19.) My Boy - Donaldson (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
20.) Desperado – Kelly (written by Glenn Frey and Don Hensley) YouTube Video    Download
21.) Ireland’s Call – Ensemble (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
22.) That’s A Woman – Byrom, Kelly, Curtis (written by Phil Coulter) YouTube Video    Download
23.) She – Byrom (written by Charles Aznavour and Herbert Kretzmer) YouTube Video    Download
24.) Young Love – McGinty (written by Ric Cartey and Carol Joyner) YouTube Video    Download
25.) I Want To Know What Love Is - Harkin (written by Mick Jones) YouTube Video    Download
26.) Cal/Local Hero – Orchestral (written by Mark Knopfler) YouTube Video     Download
27.) Caledonia – Ensemble (written by Dougie MacLean) YouTube Video    Download
Bonus Tracks
28.) Yesterday’s Men - Donaldson (Mass Release) (Coulter/Martin) YouTube Video    Download
29.) Christmas 1915 - Ensemble (PBS Version Only) (Written by Cormac McConnell) YouTube Video    Download

Links

PBS Television Schedule
2009 North American Tour Dates and Venues
2009 North American Tour Ticket Prices and Information
Celtic Thunder Music Downloader
Celtic Thunder Official Website
Celtic Thunder Merchandise
Celtic Thunder CD and DVD Purchase
Celtic Thunder CD/DVD Bulk Purchases
Celtic Thunder Fan Forum

Celtic Thunder Fan Website
Celtic Thunder Discussion Group
Celtic Thunder Contact Information
Celtic Thunder Booking Requests
Celtic Thunder Video Montage

Celtic Thunder Decca Records Website

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References

Celtic Thunder: The Show Official Programme

Comments

Chase Thayne

Very nice, on the other hand...

If you're a retired private investigator with what looks like a huge amount of experience, then you should write a knol about that. (Don't get me wrong, this was a very well done knol) It's something that I'd like to be when I grow up.

Last edited Jun 26, 2009 12:10 PM

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