In the early 2000s, an extraordinary musical ensemble was born, destined to captivate audiences worldwide and make a definitive mark on the landscape of contemporary Celtic music. The story of Celtic Woman begins with a simple concert at Dublin’s Helix Theatre, and as the saying goes, “The rest is history.”
One Special Night
The brainchild of David Kavanagh, Sharon Browne, and David Downes, Celtic Woman was envisioned as a unique celebration of Ireland’s rich musical heritage. David Downes, a former musical director of the renowned Riverdance, assembled an ensemble of four exceptional vocalists—Chloë Agnew, Órla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, and Méav Ní Mhaolchatha—alongside the talented fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt. Each member brought their own distinctive voice and style, creating a harmonious blend.
On September 15, 2004, this newly formed group took to the stage at The Helix in Dublin for what was intended to be a one-time performance for American TV. The concert featured a rich variety of repertoire suited to the soloists. Teenage soprano Chloë Agnew opened the show with “Walking in the Air,” displaying a crystal-clear voice. She also dazzled with “Nella Fantasia” and “Someday.” Lisa Kelly brought a richness and distinctive charm to her covers of “May It Be” (from Lord of the Rings) and “Send Me a Song.” Órla Fallon brought a warmth and welcoming presence to “Harry’s Game,” “Siúil a Rún,” and the touching “Isle of Innisfree,” where she displayed her skills on the harp. Méav Ní Mhaolchatha had a sweet, soft voice, easily navigating the registers and moods of the flirtatious “Si Do Mhaimeo I” and the mysterious “She Moved Thru’ The Fair.” Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt also stole the show with her virtuosity on the violin and her dynamic stage presence, with pieces like “The Butterfly” and “The Ashokan Farewell / The Contradiction Medley” showcasing her ability to captivate the audience regardless of the tempo.
Despite the newness of working together, the group numbers had a surprising cohesion and brought the sense that this was indeed something special. “Orinoco Flow” was delightful, and “The Soft Goodbye” beautifully built to a powerful anthem. “You Raise Me Up” brought contemporary and Celtic together in a perfect blend, bringing the audience to their feet. Although the performers did not realize it yet, the magic that had been created on stage at the Helix was about to lead them on an unexpected journey.
An Unexpected Success
The response to Celtic Woman’s Helix concert was nothing short of phenomenal. The PBS broadcast reached a wide audience, resonating deeply with viewers and sparking an overwhelming demand for more. The group’s self-titled debut album, released shortly after the broadcast, soared to the top of the Billboard World Music charts, where it remained for an astonishing 81 weeks. This remarkable achievement signaled the start of Celtic Woman’s rise to international acclaim.
The Legacy Continues
It was not only chart success for Celtic Woman; they would go on to be a formidable force in live tours, especially finding a bond with American audiences. Industry recognition came in the form of Emmy and Grammy award nominations, but the biggest test came when all five of the original members and musical director, David Downes, moved on to different projects. It became clear that while there was loyalty to the performers themselves, the show was greater than the sum of its parts, and Celtic Woman continues to enchant audiences with new members as well as previous members occasionally returning. It all started that one night at the Helix, but since then they have continued to create a unique style of timeless and contemporary music that makes audiences fall in love with Celtic music. Indeed, for Celtic Woman, the rest is history—and what a beautiful history it is.
