TONIGHT

Celtic Woman rides new wave of Irish music

The tree of Ireland has deep roots in the U.S. That might explain the phenomenal success of Celtic Woman, a magical and sublime show that features five of the Emerald Isle's most talented performers.

The brainchild of producer and musical director David Downes, the group - which performs tonight at The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach - was conceived originally as a showcase of four vocalists and one fiddle player. "I was with the Manhattan Records label that dreamt up this project, and I had worked with David [Downes]," said singer Meav Ni Mhaolchatha from a tour stop in Connecticut. "He had worked with all of us on various projects and had the idea to bring us all together. We didn't even know each other prior to the show, but we did know of each other's reputations through the business."

But Downes couldn't have guessed how audiences would react to the quintet. Consisting of Ni Mhaolchatha, actress/singer Lisa Kelly, harpist/singer Orla Fallon, 16-year-old wunderkind vocalist Chloe Agnew and fiddle whiz Mairead Nesbitt, the group came together in spring 2005 to create a special to be aired during the Public Broadcasting System's pledge drive.

"We thought that the PBS special would simply be a one-off show that would be shot for a DVD release," Ni Mhaolchatha said. "We had no idea that it would turn into a tour all over the states and elsewhere. Something just kind of sparked between all of us, and it's been a roller coaster since then."

The PBS special is enchanting, each performer's personality shining through during their individual songs and their talents meshing seamlessly during group numbers.

One can easily see why this emotional and dramatic performance resonates so well with audiences.

"It's already aired several times this month and it's been very popular with our viewers, especially with its airings during our pledge drive," said Tom Fowler, vice president for S.C. Educational Television and Radio.

And despite the common thread of Celtic music among the artists, they each have their own niche.

"We're all quite different," Ni Mhaolchatha said. "Lisa has a background in musical theater so she loves show tunes.

"Orla would be a more traditional singer with a really delicate voice and her harp playing is fantastic. Chloe is the baby of the group at 16, and she sings some of the newer material that's suited to her age, but she can also sing the classical pieces as well.

"I suppose my own approach is a mix of traditional and classical. When we harmonize, the blend is great even though our voices are very different."

Add to that Nesbitt's frenetic and fluid fiddle virtuosity and you've got the biggest Irish sensation to hit the U.S. since "Riverdance."

"Mairead is a physically sleight young lady, but she's just a ball of energy onstage," Ni Mhaolchatha said.

The DVD has sold more than 50,000 copies and the group's CD held the No. 1 spot on the World Music Charts for more than 40 weeks. Response from SCETV viewers has been positive.

Said Fowler: "We've had 'Thistle and Shamrock' with Fiona Ritchie on PTV Radio for close to 20 years, so there's a long tradition of Celtic music with public broadcasting. Celtic music blends very naturally in to folk music and the stories of the Appalachian people, so it finds a natural resonance with our audience."

Whether you're already a fan of Celtic music is inconsequential as the lasses perform pop standards and traditional pieces sung in Gaelic. "We expected that the ex-pat Irish community would connect with the show, but what we didn't expect was this massive crossover appeal," Ni Mhaolchatha said. "I think that happened because there's such a mix in the show. Of course, even if you're not Irish, you'll recognize 'Danny Boy,' but there are classical pieces like 'Ave Maria' that are given the Irish treatment as well as pop numbers."

And how have these five performers reacted to their sudden widespread fame?

"It's been amazing," Ni Mhaolchatha said. "We really had no idea. This time last year when the show was being put together, we came to New York to do some promotion. We were on the 'Today Show,' and that afternoon we were being recognized on the street."

Said Fowler: "All the members of the group understand the 'show' aspect of 'show business.' Clearly a lot of television is not just the content but the packaging, the lighting, costuming, the whole presentation.

"With so many home entertainment options out there, the fact that an act like Celtic Woman can become such a phenomenon speaks to their talent and the way that their show connects to our audience."

Ni Mhaolchatha thinks there may be another reason for the group's widespread appeal.

"I don't know if it was intentional or not but all the songs we've chosen tend to have a very positive message," Ni Mhaolchatha said.

"In today's fast-paced life, this music can take you back to a simpler time. Everyone wants something to escape to, even if only for a couple of hours."

Copyright 2006 http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com