Celtic Woman has been a worldwide phenomenon since it was founded in 2004 by Emmy-nominated music director David Downes. The virtuoso violinist Mairead Nesbitt shares the stage with vocalists Chloe Agnew, Lisa Lambe and Susan McFadden. They are backed by a six-man band, a chorus of four, bagpiper Anthony Byrne and championship Irish dancer Craig Ashurst. Bedecked in magnificent gowns, they float gracefully about the stage performing traditional Irish favorites, heart-warming original songs and pop standards, mesmerizing packed audiences.
From the first album through the eighth, all debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music chart. All six DVDs are equally popular with fans who passionately follow the tour schedules and buy tickets months in advance to reserve a place at the concerts coming to their cities. The ensemble arrives at Wolf Trap toward the end of a North American tour of more than 50 cities. After relaxing at home for several months, they will undertake a September tour to Australia, a European tour in October and a return to the United States in December to perform with symphony orchestras in several cities.
