Celtic Thunder to perform at Mayo PAC
Since its founding in 2007, the Irish vocal group called Celtic Thunder has developed a following not only for its blend of voices but also for its distinctive stage shows.
Those theatrical performances, which have been captured on 10 DVDs, include choreography, visual effects, and set pieces that draw on Celtic mythology. In concert, the five singers have always been backed by Celtic Thunder Band.
For its current tour, the group has decided to change things a wee bit.
At every stop in the “Celtic Thunder: Symphony” tour, the five singers will perform with a different local orchestra.
Celtic Thunder will play its only New Jersey date this Saturday at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. For this concert, the group will be backed by the New Jersey Festival Orchestra
“It’s a new challenge, playing with a live orchestra,” says Colm Keegan, one of the five vocalists in Celtic Thunder. “The days are a bit longer because we have to rehearse all the songs with a new orchestra each time.”
However, Keegan adds. “The caliber of the musicians is incredible. I think this might be our very best tour.”
Lending consistency to the performances is the fact that David Brophy is serving as conductor for all the concerts. “David is one of the top conductors in Ireland,” Keegan says. “He’s world-class. We’re spoiled to have him with us.”
For this concert, Celtic Thunder will concentrate on holiday songs with a Celtic twist. “We’re giving a fresh outlook to songs like ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘O Holy Night,’ ” Keegan says.
The blend of the familiar with the fresh has always been the goal of Celtic Thunder, according to Keegan. Though he only joined the group in 2012, he had known of its work and been impressed with its musicianship.
Keegan credits the group’s founder and producer, Sharon Browne, and its musical director, David Munro, with maintaining that focus through personnel changes.
“I never was made to sing in any particular way,” says Keegan. “You sing the songs that bring out your personality. You always try to sound like yourself with the other members on stage.”
(The other singers on the current are Neil Byrne, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, and the newest member, Emmett O’Hanlon.)
“The concept of Celtic Thunder is that we take the songs we grew up loving and singing in Ireland,” Keegan says.
The ages of the singers range from late 30s (Byrne and Kelly) to 23 (O’Hanlon). “When you have different ages, it’s like showing the different phases of living or falling in love,” says Keegan, who turned 25 in August.
When Keegan joined Celtic Thunder, he assumed that the group’s appeal was limited to Ireland. He says he was unprepared for the enthusiastic response from listeners around the world. “It was a shock how vast the audience is,” he says.
Since being part of Celtic Thunder, Keegan has come to appreciate what gives Irish music that broad appeal. “It’s a matter of relevance,” he says. “We sing about falling in love and about loving your country. Everyone can relate to that.”
“We do some songs that make you close your eyes and shed a tear,” Keegan says. “Then we do other songs that you want to jump up and dance to.”
One constant in all the performances has been the response from listeners, Keegan concludes. “We have a very supportive fan base,” he says. “We think of the audience as the sixth member of the group.”
CELTIC THUNDER: SYMPHONY
WHAT: The Irish vocal group, known for its elaborate theatrical productions, will perform with the New Jersey Festival Orchestra. The current tour includes traditional carols and covers of contemporary holiday favorites.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown
TICKETS: $69 to $109