MUSIC

Celtic Thunder is a new group and concert special featuring five Celtic male vocalists from Ireland and Scotland, ranging in age from 16 to 40: Paul Byrom, George Donaldson, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly and Damian McGinty. From rousing ensemble numbers to solos showcasing each members’ vocal style and personality, Celtic Thunder performs powerful ballads, popular hits, and heartwarming songs of love and loss from across the Celtic music spectrum—Irish, Scottish, traditional and contemporary. Celtic Thunder creator/producer Sharon Browne teamed up with legendary Irish composer Phil Coulter (Elvis Presley’s “My Boy,”Sandie Shaw’s “Puppet on a String,” the now-classic Irish ballad “The Town I Loved So Well”), to audition men all over Ireland and Scotland for the group, and craft a representative set list. The eclectic mix of music includes traditional songs (”Mountains of Mourne,” “Come by the Hills,” “Love Thee Dearest”),pop classics (Paul Anka’s “Puppy Love,” the Eagles’“Desperado,” The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin”) and Coulter originals (Irish Rugby Football Union anthem “Ireland’s Call,” “The Old Man,” “Steal Away”), accompanied by The Celtic Concert Orchestra, a full band, bagpipes and monks. Choreography, dramatic lighting, visual effects, and a set resembling ancient stone steps and paths enhance the musical production.