This spring, Ireland’s multi-platinum music ensemble, Celtic Woman, embark on a four month Homecoming tour throughout North America with a stop at Norfolk’s Ted Constant Convocation Center on Friday, March 23. The group’s Homecoming tour showcases a mix of traditional and contemporary songs and never-before seen epic performances in celebration of Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
Celtic Woman’s violinist, Tara McNeill, and three female vocalists, Susan McFadden, Mairéad Carlin and Éabha McMahon, debuted their Homecoming TV special on PBS stations throughout the U.S. in November 2017. The performance was filmed live in Ireland and aired on international PBS stations for weeks to follow.
“It was such a special night for us in Dublin as we rarely get to perform at home in front of our families and friends,” says Carlin about the filming of Homecoming. “The music for this tour has a real focus for our love of Ireland and all that home means to us.”
Carlin of Derry, Ireland further explains that each two hour show in the North American tour will feature performances ranging from whole ensembles showcasing the talents of musicians, pipers, singers and dancers to stunning a capella pieces. Each routine not only echoes the group’s pride for their Irish heritage, but emphasizes their individual talents.
Carlin notes the Celtic Woman’s range in musical training and personal styles adds to the beauty of the quartet's sound. Carlin adopts a classical style while McFadden falls into the genre of musical theatre, McNeill into a mix of classical and traditional and McMahon into Sean Nos, one of Ireland’s oldest traditional styles in unaccompanied singing.
Other traditional elements of Irish song will be heard through customary instruments including bodhrans, whistles, uilleann pipes, bagpipes, bouzouki, accordion, guitars and more.
Celtic Woman’s 90 city Homecoming tour will stop at Norfolk's Ted Constant Convocation Center on March 23, to purchase tickets visit here.
